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Travel Advice,Travel Advice |
24/03/2005 |
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Hi,
I spent 45 days based in Modena last year, working during the week and traveling during the weekends. I visited Rome and Vatican, Bologna, Maranello, Florence, Sienna, Pisa, Genoa, Remini, Verona and Cortizza.
I took the train to Rome and drove to rest of the places. The trains are convenient but driving is the best way to experience Italy. Also some drives such as the drive to Genoa along SS1 is breathtaking and during the drive from Florence to Sienna you can stop at these chianti vineyards. I would advise people to carry maps and be prepared that not all roads are marked (atleast none that you can read while driving).
While traveling I stayed at the International youth hostels…which are really nice places to stay in Europe…far better the IYHs in America. The IYH in Genoa on top of the hill over-looking the sea and the hostel in Florence (Villa Camareta) are definitely recommended. I would recommend travelers to learn the basic Italian … people really don’t understand English, which is really difficult to come to terms with.
I don’t have any horror stories, but would definitely advise people to get an agent while dealing with Italian bureaucracy, I had to deal with them trying to get a stay permit and luckily had an agent but it required a lot of talking in Italian!
Also, things are really expensive considering the unfavorable exchange rates at the moment so have some flexibility in your budget.
On the whole, I had a great time and met a lot of interesting people. Will definitely go back because I missed the Sistine chapel…remember the Vatican museum closes really early on Sunday.
-Sameer
Editor - thanks Sameer for your feedback, if you have something you would like to share about your experience in Italy please email us - italy@backpackglobe.com,Hi,
I spent 45 days based in Modena last year, working during the week and traveling during the weekends. I visited Rome and Vatican, Bologna, Maranello, Florence, Sienna, Pisa, Genoa, Remini, Verona and Cortizza.
I took the train to Rome and drove to rest of the places. The trains are convenient but driving is the best way to experience Italy. Also some drives such as the drive to Genoa along SS1 is breathtaking and during the drive from Florence to Sienna you can stop at these chianti vineyards. I would advise people to carry maps and be prepared that not all roads are marked (atleast none that you can read while driving).
While traveling I stayed at the International youth hostels…which are really nice places to stay in Europe…far better the IYHs in America. The IYH in Genoa on top of the hill over-looking the sea and the hostel in Florence (Villa Camareta) are definitely recommended. I would recommend travelers to learn the basic Italian … people really don’t understand English, which is really difficult to come to terms with.
I don’t have any horror stories, but would definitely advise people to get an agent while dealing with Italian bureaucracy, I had to deal with them trying to get a stay permit and luckily had an agent but it required a lot of talking in Italian!
Also, things are really expensive considering the unfavorable exchange rates at the moment so have some flexibility in your budget.
On the whole, I had a great time and met a lot of interesting people. Will definitely go back because I missed the Sistine chapel…remember the Vatican museum closes really early on Sunday.
-Sameer
Editor - thanks Sameer for your feedback, if you have something you would like to share about your experience in Italy please email us - italy@backpackglobe.com |
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