Wishing your the best Italian Vacation Ever!!!
It's hard not to love every city in Italy... I have been throughout the country and countryside over the years. Still I have my favorite "go-to" places.
CAPRI: The most beautiful isle off the port of Naples. I have travelled here each year, and I like it more everytime I visit. The island is difficult to negotiate if you are hindered at all in your walking. It's all down hill and likewise all uphill. You have to be pretty sturdy... There are generally no cars and so you are on your own without UBER. Lots of people come in on the cruise ships making the narrow cobblestone streets crowded. If you have a chance, spend a day there.
POSITANO: totally overrated. We took the hydrofoil there (30 minutes and $17 each way). It's a very pretty place. When you land, you are at the beach. Everything is UP FROM THERE.. Too many steps.. not enough to see or do there. The stores are all alike selling casual and beach clothes and some linen items. I didn't think it was worth the trip. There are a few cafe's on the beach that serve good food.. and wine.
FLORENCE: There are many many websites that give you information on trips to Florence. Start with Trip Advisor which is a very good site. I have been to Florence in the Spring, the Summer and this year, in the fall. Because it is a beautiful destination, and a hub in Tuscany, it can be crowded. We planned our trip for September thinking it would be not as crowded.. I was wrong. Florence is always bustling.
There are many things to see and do in Florence. This trip, I again revisited the Santa Marie Novella church in the center of Florence. It is stunning. The Baptistry is set nearby with its golden doors. Don't miss this.
Seeing the DAVID: The lines are incredibly long to get into the Academy where the statue is located. I have been there twice but my travel companion had not.. So we thought we would mosey by to see if we could get in. The line was around the block and some charlatan tried to sell us used tickets. GET YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE FOR THIS as well as for the UFFIZI ... There is special card that you can get to see all the famous sites of Florence. This is certainly worth the time, money and effort.
BUYING GOLD: the gold merchants take their place on the Ponte Vecchio where they have been for many years. I can say that times have changed and most of the jewelry on the bridge is overpriced and very ordinary. Shop carefully...
STRAW MARKET: this used to actually be a straw market, but now it is dedicated to many different kinds of goods ... leather handbags, wallets, and gloves. Lots of scarves that are silk or wool and some in cashmere... there are vendors that sell Italian tapestry Pillow covers and wall hangings.. lots of other things that might catch your fancy. You can negotiate prices.
DINNER AL FRESCO: You can have a great dinner at the Piazza Signorina or the Piazza Republica and see the sights at the same time. Many artists are out and about, singers are everywhere.. these piazzas are a great gathering place. Keep ahold of your wallet.
VENICE: I love Venice.. It's a dreamy place.. however, it has become very dirty and crowded with cheap vendors and day trippers. My friend who has lived there all his life told me that the population has gone from about 150,000 to 80,000. Many young people leave there because there is really no work, it's crowded and very expensive. If you do go, make a trip to LIDO for the day.. that's a lovely beach resort around 20 minute boat ride from San Marco. Still, it is a lovely place to watch the world go by.
ROME IS ETERNAL: When I went last year, it was disappointing since the Trevi Fountain was closed for repair. This year, it was crowded with activity and just as beautiful as ever. I have stayed in many locations in Rome over the years. Most of the hotels are small and on narrow streets. Check on Trip Advisor for good deals. See all the sights. Don't miss Vatican City and St. Peters. Spend some time in the Vatican Library which is extensive. You could be there for years! Don't miss Piazza Navona with all the beautiful fountains, artists and other entertainers are located. I love the Pantheon, one of my favorite places.. Gelato is everywhere.. Make sure you have some... There are so many museums that you can really knock yourself out. If you go, plan to spend at least three days. It is a big city so watch out. My travel friend had her phone pick-pocketed on a bus.. that was not a good deal. So be careful. Make sure to stroll along the Via Veneto and most of all spend time at the Roman Forum and the Coliseum.. It is a beautiful and historic place to visit at least once in your lifetime.