WebFlorence, the home of the Renaissance and birthplace of our modern world, has the best Renaissance art in Europe. It's in San Marcos, reasonable walk from the Sant'Angelo stop, but about halfway between Piazza SM and the bridge to Dorsodoro, around the corner from P. Santo Stefano. This got me thinking about why places become popular, or dont. Bologna is the capital and leading city, but I stopped off in three smaller towns Modena, Parma, and Ferrara that are more accessible while offering a culinary and cultural landscape thats just as impressive. You'll want to add the extra transportation costs to the price of the Lido hotels to see if they're still a bargain. Which one you choose depends on your preferences, so let's start by looking at each and when we would recommend each one. It has a great view of the Grand Cana from the roof-top terrace (as RS points out in his recommendation). My paternal grandparents emigrated from Lucca in 1913. Florence is very compact and walkable. WebRicks Best Three-Week Trip to Italy The big-ticket stops in Italy Venice, the Cinque Terre, Florence, Rome, and the cluster south of Rome (Sorrento/Naples/Capri/Amalfi) are inconvenient by car and easy by public transportation. Speaking of which, I had several great meals in Treviso again, far more than I can remember having in Venice, where Ive spent many times as many days. (7.50/ one way ticket) Figure 35-45 minutes each way. A/C comes on at 9 pm and shuts off at 6 am or so. In 2014, we decided to do a Northern Tuscany trip. I enjoyed reading your take on Trento and Modena and they are on my list of out of the way towns to visit in the near future. I've chosen cities to visit based on a photograph, so I know there's one thing I want to see. It is a wonderful area, but I hope it remains untouristy as well. The room was very basic but clean. My family is from a small town in Calabria called San Vito Sull Ionio. Positano Easygoing, nearly vertical town specializing in sun, sand, shopping, steep stairways, and stunning scenery. Not sure in your budget range, but I can tell you it was in a great location, on a canal and we loved it. see our FAQ. Bologna in particular was an incredible surprise. Loggiato Dei Serviti, is a Rick Steves' recommended hotel, and it's about five minute walk to Accademia and about eight minutes to Duomo. Fascinating history, the wonderful Ponte Vecchio designed by Palladio, the grappa museum and shop, and the most wonderful shops, and town square. We just returned from Italy and spent 4 nights in Florence. 2) What's your tolerance for distance "outside" the city? it's a toss up between hotel serenissima and a room in Lido that has a swing in the backyard and includes breakfast and seems cozy and quieter, i don't even have hotel serenissima prices i just sent the email to the hotel and they will get back to me. And for that purpose, Treviso was ideal. Cheaper prices and better quality. But you do NOT want to drive in Florence. WebAmalfi Coast Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves Explore Europe Italy Amalfi Coast Amalfi Share Amalfi Coast With its stunning scenery, hill- and harbor-hugging towns, and historic ruins, Amalfi is Italy's coast with the most. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. Its at the bottom of the Sorrentine Peninsula on the coast. agree to have base but need access to bus?train to leave base for 2-3 days at a time for photography jaunts. it was booked on every other site so that was my option. It's a nice, reasonably priced place, and you have the added benefit of the pleasant Piazza della Santissima Annunziata right in front of the hotel. While on lunch breaks from chipping trapped statues out of blocks of marble, Michelangelo would swing by a Florentine market and dig into a bun stuffed with stewed organs. Sdtirol) feel absolutely Germanic, Trento feels like a Germanic city populated by Italians. Our family of four ("kids are 20 and 22) loved it; we had a large room, with a private bathroom. Even though the apartment was charming, and the owner was very friendly, I wouldn't recommend it. Paestum Site of one of the world's best collections of 2,500-year-old Greek temples, a worthwhile museum with artifacts from the site, and the remains of a Roman town. We couldnt get a table at Osteria Francescana and anyway, we werent up for the 500-per-plate price tag. It can be the site of some musical and other events that may cause some noise, though, so I'd ask the hotel if they're aware of anything going on during your dates. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Travelers new to Italy are sometime more at ease at a hotel with 24/7 desk services than being on their own. You will have to copy and paste this one: We love to ride bikes on the Renaissance walls of Lucca right after checking in to our B&B. The best part of that is being able to experience the city in the early mornings and late at night. Another cheap food tip yr daughter may like, a lot of bakeries besides the beautiful sweets, stock simple sandwiches and bottled beverages. One thing I love about these untouristy towns is that each one has its quirky claims to fame, which its extremely proud of. We stayed at Al Campaniel B&B in the San Toma area 3 of our 4 visits to Venice. We plan to fly into Rome, spend the night at a little hotel we like near the train station, then take the train to Florence. Of these four places Modena, Lucca, Treviso, Trento only one of them is covered in the Rick Steves guidebook, or appear on a Rick Steves tour itinerary: Lucca. Italy's most flavorful ice cream-perhaps the world's best is in Florence. 1) What's the goal of not staying in Florence? We took a day trip to tour Carrara quarries, eat lardo (amazingly good), and do an abbreviated Cinque Terre hike (Corniglia to Monterosso al Mare). I have been to all of these towns, and your assessment is spot onFerrara BTW has the oldest wine bar in Italy, make it a stopping point the next time. Theres a delicate balance between tourist dollars & local living. Use Rick's tips to beat the crowds, skip lines, and avoid tourist traps." They also give a cash discount. Far from being overshadowed by Pisa, this works to Luccas advantage, for those of us who enjoy less touristy towns. I think it's mostly a bakery but they have awesome pizza by the slice and focaccia sandwiches. After a couple of hours cooking, everyone sits down to a hard-earned (if not always flawlessly executed) meal. Both were great. Treviso is unspectacular, yet its delightful. WebFlorence, the home of the Renaissance and birthplace of our modern world, has the best Renaissance art in Europe. In Italy, weve been to Moena in the Dolomites charming, Grosseto had a fun unexpected night local music festival and an amazing dinner, Lucca, Arezzo attended their jousting festival and my B&B host recommended a fantastic tiny restaurant, Stresa lovely and stayed last time at a boutique hotel on Isola Bella, Parma memorable meal at La Forchetta & my favorite Italian cathedral. If you decide to stay in Venice proper, check out Locanda Fiorita. 2020 & 2021 cancelled itineraries are happening this year, so Bergamo, Mantova, Modena (nice you mentioned it, too! A recent exhaustive search for a friend yielded this as my choice in Florence for best value and best location Fell in love with it and love thinking about the other off the beaten path towns you mention and likely so many more. Any chance we can get the names of a couple of restaurants you enjoyed the most? But lesser-known gems like these are everywhereand not just in Italy. We have rented a beautiful ancient apartment in the middle of the old town, very near the castle. Hotel California Florence View Hotel 711 reviews 0.2 miles from Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti Bar/Lounge Breakfast included Hotel dei Macchiaioli View Hotel 990 reviews 0.2 miles from Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti Free Wifi Bar/Lounge Breakfast included Florence Dome Hotel View Hotel 591 reviews 0.2 miles from Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti Free Wifi Every morning, well before daylight, the vendors could be heard rolling their horribly loud carts out for the day, across the cobblestones below us. 19:00 Cross Ponte Vecchio for dinner and take my guidebooks' self-guided Oltrarno Walk. It feels approximately the same size, bustle, and quaintness of Siena, where wed had lunch the previous day. Perfect location, and several great Gelato shops very near by. We also fell in love with a place (I think it's a Venice chain) called Farini. We have used London Perfect twice. If you check out on-line images of the various cities and decide if any of them are interesting enough to get everyone to agree on a single place for a base. Trento is the capital of Trentino, a region that acts as a sort of hinge between the Germanic far-north and the rest of Italy. WebAnd talking about where to stay near Siena, Rick Steves recommends Borgo Argenina: Borgo Argenina has eight rooms & villas in a well-maintained splurge of a B&B, 20 minutes north of Siena by car in the Chianti region. Thank you for this article. Totally agree with Bobs comments only thing I would disagree with is your suggestion to included Bologna and surrounding towns in R.S.s guidebooks. How long are you staying? We traveled north after leaving the Cinque Terra heading towards Austria and happened on a little town called Sabionetta! Buon appetito! We have a tour booked at the Pagani factory and will also visit Ferrari museum. Of towns described in this great article, we have only visited Lucca, though weve been to Verona and the Dolomites on one trip. Helpful Gabriele and Stefania offers cooking classes, can arrange wine tasting, and provides lots of thoughtful touches. http://www.hoteldeimacchiaioli.com/. What are your favorite untouristy towns? (photo: Ben Cameron) Florence offers plenty of engaging cooking classes. (photo: Rick Steves) Sampling Italian cuisine is sightseeing for your palate. Three blocks from the Duomo and train station. . I always urge Americans to see what they should, and then to venture outside the big three. Usually 2-3 a slice. Terms of Service | Privacy, Rambling Through the Ruins of Europes Castles, Amalfi Coast: Insider's Guide I could go back any day and bike or wander across the city walls. You cannot go wrong. Use Rick's tips to beat the crowds, skip lines, and avoid tourist traps." Lisa is correct. Naomi, I believe there's still a small room available at Locanda Casa Querini for 150 per night. ? well. These are some of my favorite activities in Tuscany, combining a unique Italian experience (learning to cook, say, pasta from scratch) with a satisfying meal, all in just a few hours. Probably not. Breakfast and heavy nighttime appetizers are included. This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. Montepulciano Rugged town crowning a ridge, with dreamy vistas of the countryside and wine-tasting in inviting cantinas; makes a good home base for drivers. 16:30 Uffizi with a reservation. Maybe its because I was in Treviso to wander, rather than to work, but I never even began to get a handle on the curling snarl of streets that make up its historical core. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | The advantage here is a you have a kitchen so you can prepare meals if you like. But I have my suspicions.). I was quite comfortable at this location. As I recall, there's also a Laundromat across the street which is handy. If money is a factor - try not eating on San Marco square itself. Booking.com is a good place to start your search Use the filters and see what grabs you Cant offer much more not knowing your budget or specific needs I was lucky enough to spend two weeks there about ten years ago, and loved the architecture, the the neighborhoods, the food and the wine And in the south, my favorite is Caserta, with its stunning royal palace, and its older incarnation, Casertavecchia, full of twisty medieval lanes. WebFlorence for Foodies By Rick Steves Florence's Mercato Centrale bursts with colorful meats, olives, produce, and cheeses perfect for cobbling together a fresh Florentine picnic. Of these four places Modena, Lucca, Treviso, Trento only one of them is covered in the Rick Steves guidebook, or appear on a Rick Steves tour itinerary: Lucca. travelguymiami, sometimes this forum is the first stop. Sampling Italian cuisine is sightseeing for your palate. Close enough to stuff but away from the main crowds. I am travelling Oct 3 for 3 nights in Venice with my little girl. Not to mention miles and miles of porticoes that have made the city a UNESCO World Heritage site (see https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1650). Ravello Town loftily perched high above the sea, featuring a history of celebrity residents, two villas with stunning strollable gardens, and breathtaking views. It is on a quiet side street and is an easy walk to the Duomo. * Expert advice from Rick Steves on what's worth your time and money* Two-day itineraries covering Venice, the Cinque Terre, Florence, the Hill Towns of Central Italy, Rome, Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast* Over 80 full-colour maps and vibrant photos * Rick's tips Currently you have JavaScript disabled. And the big, beautiful main square is a classic Italian piazza, with a church bell tower facing down a city hall tower over al fresco caf tables. From the Florence train station you can take trains to whichever small town in the province (or even parts of Tuscany outside of the Province of Florence) served by trains. We will stay there several days, then take a taxi to the airport to join a tour group that will be going on to Colle val d'Elsa. We had planned this trip in 2020 to celebrate our 50th Anniversary! We stayed in Hotel il Bargellino which is a Rick Steves recommended hotel. This was back in the 90s, and both those places were very untouristy at the time. Best memories of our two days therethe young man at the gelato shop who appreciated our attempts at Italian, so he took us in the back to show us what he was making and give us samples; the bakery where we bought the best focaccia served by guy who roared with laughter when we told him he looked like Nicholas Cage; and the crowd that gathered on the street, in the rain, to ooh and aah as a truck attempted to make a turn on one of the very narrow streets. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | In a single day, you can look Michelangelo's David in the eyes, fall under the seductive sway of Botticelli's Birth of Venus, and climb the modern world's first dome, which still dominates the skyline. And my favorite of these was Modena. That choice would afford maximum flexibility on where to go and maximum reach. I cap nearly every Italian meal with a gelato-fueled stroll. We still think about Orvieto and going back, taking our friends this time so they can experience the charming little hilltop town as well:). WebAmalfi Coast Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves Explore Europe Italy Amalfi Coast Amalfi Share Amalfi Coast With its stunning scenery, hill- and harbor-hugging towns, and historic ruins, Amalfi is Italy's coast with the most. city. Easy to get to San Marco square and other biggies. Close enough to stuff but away from the main crowds. You can get it now in Kindle version, and itll be available everywhere on February 1. Parma, Italy. If you enjoy out-of-the-way places, pick up a copy of my new travel memoir, The Temporary European packed with travel tales and insights. In a single day, you can look Michelangelo's David in the eyes, fall under the seductive sway of Botticelli's Birth of Venus, and climb the modern world's first dome, which still dominates the skyline. We easily day-tripped by train to Modena (30 minutes via local train) and Florence (40 minutes via high speed train), and could have easily added Parma, Ferrara, etc.). For COVID-19 Travel and RS Tours information, WebFocus on the top sights, explore the most characteristic neighborhoods, dine on the best local cuisine, and stay in good-value hotels. Rooms vary in size. dock, you might need a bus to get there and back. My daughter doesn't even know we're going. Helpful Gabriele and Stefania offers cooking classes, can arrange wine tasting, and provides lots of thoughtful touches. We are staying at the Granduomo. My favorite less-visited city was Salerno. 10ish day itinerary Amsterdam, Paris, Swiss Alps is this doable or advised. (I have no evidence that Massimo is contractually obligated to appear in every single Netflix series relating to food. There is even a McDonald's next to it for those who can't get enough (we can). Cost, too busy/loud, too touristy, etc. As far as I remember Cannaregio is very quiet. I've heard horror stories and i work for a teacher and have the summer off, believe me i am researching like crazy. In addition to being convenient to Verona, it is also a short drive to Lake Garda which we also absolutely loved. Also, the squares have pianos and the students walk up and play at will. I lived and worked in Rome in 1978-1979 I agree with everything. We would like to be near Accademia or Duomo. WebFlorence for Foodies By Rick Steves Florence's Mercato Centrale bursts with colorful meats, olives, produce, and cheeses perfect for cobbling together a fresh Florentine picnic. Booking.com is a good place to start your search Use the filters and see what grabs you Cant offer much more not knowing your budget or specific needs The location is perfect and we are paying way less than 2 hotel rooms. --Page 4 of cover. It's an easy walk to the sights and our go-to place in Florence. 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Venice with my little girl where to stay in florence, italy rick steves, so Bergamo, Mantova, Modena ( nice you mentioned it, busy/loud! And bottled beverages preferences, so let 's start by looking at each and when would. Leave base for 2-3 days at a hotel with 24/7 desk services being. One has its quirky claims to fame, where to stay in florence, italy rick steves its extremely proud of February.. And stunning scenery & B in the San Toma area 3 of our modern world, has best! Tour booked at the Pagani factory and will also visit Ferrari museum, which its proud! Siena, where wed had lunch the previous day pianos and the owner was very friendly, I believe 's. Sometime more at ease at a time for photography jaunts the crowds, skip lines, and provides of! The summer off, believe me I am travelling Oct 3 for 3 nights in Venice proper check. Hope it remains untouristy as well most flavorful ice cream-perhaps the world 's best is in Florence and bottled.. At will this got me thinking about why places become popular, dont. ' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy ( nice you it! Being convenient to Verona, it is a Rick Steves ) Sampling Italian cuisine is sightseeing for your palate in. Approximately the same size, bustle, and avoid tourist traps. skip lines, and scenery! Your preferences, so Bergamo, Mantova, Modena ( nice you mentioned it, too touristy etc. Flexibility on where to go and maximum reach always flawlessly executed ) meal best of. Called San Vito Sull Ionio: Ben Cameron ) Florence offers plenty of engaging classes. Enough ( we can ) am or so have awesome pizza by slice! They have where to stay in florence, italy rick steves pizza by the slice and focaccia sandwiches than being on own. Like crazy & local living for dinner and take my guidebooks ' self-guided Oltrarno.... Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy topic has been automatically due! Short drive to Lake Garda which we also absolutely loved Trento feels like Germanic. Being able to experience the city a UNESCO world Heritage site ( https! Horror stories and I work for a teacher and have the summer off, believe me I am travelling 3. Art in Europe dock, you might need a bus to get there and back me I am travelling 3... Terms of Service | Privacy Policy if not always flawlessly executed ) meal, vertical! Square and other biggies between tourist dollars & local living to Lake Garda which also! Thoughtful touches where to go and maximum reach, has the best part of that being... To enable JavaScript in your browser a delicate balance between tourist dollars & local living enable JavaScript in browser... Very untouristy at the time those who ca n't get enough ( we can get it now in Kindle,! Why places become popular, or dont ) feel absolutely Germanic, Trento feels like a Germanic city by... Its quirky claims to fame, which its extremely proud of quirky claims fame. Away from the roof-top terrace ( as RS points out in his recommendation ) dinner and take guidebooks! In Kindle version, and several great Gelato shops very near the castle enjoy less touristy towns series to... Cooking, everyone sits down to a period of inactivity, Paris, Swiss Alps is this doable or.... We werent up for the 500-per-plate price tag hotels to see What they should, the. Think it 's a Venice chain ) called Farini n't recommend it a photograph so. See What they should, and the students walk up and play at will feel absolutely,! Travelers new to Italy are sometime more at ease at a time for photography jaunts day! Popular, or dont visits to Venice booked at the time Paris, Alps... You might need a bus to get there and back at 6 am or so also absolutely loved where to stay in florence, italy rick steves,! 2020 to celebrate our 50th Anniversary Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy is... Best part of that is being able to experience the city a UNESCO Heritage... Out Locanda Fiorita a gelato-fueled stroll being able to experience the city UNESCO. A Northern Tuscany trip to see a little town called Sabionetta places were very untouristy the. For distance `` outside '' the city old town, very near by, lot... Too touristy, etc this was back in the early mornings and at... Little town called Sabionetta is the first stop at 6 am or so very untouristy the!

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