Best of Italy ~ April 2012 ~ (Saki)

Best of Italy last of the winter tours

Tour Director: Romano Epifani

Driver: Alfonzo

Day one:

A long flight from L.A. to Amsterdam, with KLM, sitting in a middle seat on a very crowded airplane. 9-1/2 hours later I landed in Amsterdam for a 9 hour lay-over!!! I already had a plan to go visit Kaukenhoff Gardens unless the weather was very bad. I stored my carry-on bag at the airport and bought a ticket at the airport to the bus and garden. The weather was very cold and a light drizzle but I decided to go anyway. The bus is outside the airport, a short walk to the right and around the corner. I was surprised how many people were going too. About 30 minute ride and the bus drops you off at the entrance. I did not expect to see many flowers in bloom since it is just the beginning of the season but there were many. Beautiful colors and a nice garden but the weather was cold and windy. After a couple of hours I decided to return to the airport. Had some difficulty finding the locker where I stored my carry-on and it was a good thing I had enough time to look for it.

The flight to Rome was about 2-1/2 hours and since I arrived a day earlier, Trafalgar arranged to have a driver wait for me. My luggage also arrived immediately, which was a concern because of the long lay-over.

We arrived at the Milton Hotel at about 10 PM. An old hotel but centered close to the Colosseum. I requested a room facing the back courtyard and luckily there was one available. (From previous information I knew that the courtyard was much more quiet than the other rooms).

Day two:

After a good night's sleep I got up. This hotel has some challenges as far as bathrooms. The towels are stacked very high. I could reach them but a short person would have a lot of difficulty. The shower has no shower-base so the water spills and runs all over the bathroom. Crazy situation.

Breakfast (from 7 - 10:30) was nice. Cold cuts, cheeses, tomatoes, eggs, cereals, yogurt, fruits, and cakes. 

After breakfast I walk to the Colosseum, about 15-20 minutes walk to the right of the hotel and straight ahead. 

I purchased a ticket for the Hop-on-hop-off bus which is located near the Colosseum (17 Euros). I took the full circle ride (about 2 hours) and did not get off because I knew that with Trafalgar I will visit most places. Had some quick lunch (Penini sandwich) and walked back to the hotel for a rest. The weather - wonderful, sunny with light wind.

At 4:15 was our first welcome drink meeting in the lobby of the hotel. Romano was there and informed us that we will have 51 people on the tour AND 4 other buses are doing the same tour too. This is how popular it is. Our group was from USA, Australia, Canada, S. Africa. Just a couple of single ladies and mostly couples. One young man (14 years old) and average age I guess 55-60.

Romano, our Tour Director is a good looking Italian, 47 years old, married +3 children, with a heavy Italian accent but very good English. Later we found out how wonderful he is. Spoke all the time in Third Person, joked a lot, had non stop stories about his life, life in Italy, History, funny stories that kept us awake and sayings that kept us laughing throughout the tour. What a great personality and everyone loved him.

At 6:00 pm we did our first Optional tour (whoever wanted). We drove around Rome at night, went to an amazing view point from a mountain top, a place that not many tourists know about. From there, to a restaurant for a "light" dinner which included: grilled vegetables, 2 kinds of pasta, salad and Tiramisu. Free drinks and wine as much as we wanted. Back to the hotel at 9:30.

Day three:

Breakfast at 6:45 and on the coach at 7:45 on the way to the Colosseum to see if we can get in early today even though we had reservations for the day we returned to Rome, but Romano (our hero) got us tickets, no waiting in line and we walked in with our City tour guide. Romano explained that in each city he is not allowed to be our guide but we need to hire a city tour guide. This is a law. We had a very knowledgeable lady guide. She explained the history of the Colosseum and gave us some free time to wonder. 

From there, to the Vatican for an extraordinary opportunity and experience. It is Palm Sunday and for this special occasion the Pope is giving blessings to thousands of people gathering in St. Peter's square. The square is packed with Catholic worshipers waiting to get the blessing. The Pope is sitting in front of the Vatican, on a special stage, dressed in a red robe surrounded by others. What an honor to be present at such a special event and see the Pope close up.

We had a quick lunch near the Vatican and back to the hotel. We had an optional tour at 2:30 but I missed it because i overslept. It was a visit to the Catacombs and Trevi Fountain and Pantheon. I have been there before.

Day four:

Early breakfast (at 6:45) and luggage outside the room. We needed to leave early in order to get into the Vatican and Sistine Chapel before all the crowds. The weather is beautiful. We had a local guide and she explained in detail the works of Michelangelo and other artists. You have to be there to experience the amazing works and appreciate all the glory of it. We also visited St. Peter's and the Vatican museum.

On the way to Pompeii. A stop at an Autogrill for a lunch. I found that the Autogrills are very sufficient for lunch. They have a variety of food: good salads, pasta, sandwiches, drinks, etc. 

We arrived at Pompeii and the weather was perfect. Little warm but breezy. Pompeii could be very hot place so we were lucky. A local guide took us through the streets of an amazing city that was preserved for 200 years because of a volcano ash that covered it. The tour took about 1:30 hours. 

From Pompeii we drive through beautiful coast line to Sorrento. Our hotel was very nice, rooms large and decorated with ornate colorful ceramic tiles. The view from the balcony was beautiful - the bay, the city houses in yellow/mustard color and the hotel swimming pool.

We had a very short rest (1/2 an hour) and off to a restaurant in the center of town. Very good dinner of:Gnocchi, veal with potatoes, salad, cake and coffee. Again wine as much as we wanted. 

Day five:

Hotel in Sorrento - breakfast not so great. Runny scrambled eggs, "uncooked" bacon, rolls, and some pastries. We left at 8:00 on the road to Capri. We had to transfer to smaller buses to arrive at the port. From there on a boat to Capri. The weather - perfect. Sunny and cool. We arrived and took a cable car to the top of Capri Island. Amazing views. Romano gave us an overview of the island and local TG took us on a walk. Narrow streets, beautiful boutiques, shops and steep streets, up and down. Very tiring, but worth the effort.

At noon we came down to the beach area and Romano was able to arrange for us special lunch - huge Caprices sandwiches + bottle of water - 4 Euros. We went down the beach and ate lunch. Some people took off their shoes and went in the water. So cool.

After lunch back to the boat, boarded the small buses and a drive to Positano through the Amalfi coast. What a ride it was!!! Roller coaster thru very narrow road winding like a snake between mountains. A little scary especially when cars come from opposite side. We stopped for a drink of Lemoncello and arrived in Positano. A most gorgeous town, hanging on the edge of a cliff. 

Romano gave us free time (1-1/2 hours) to shop, wonder, go down to the beach thru beautiful boutiques, amazing clothes shops, and a very long down hill slope to the beach. Going down was not so bad but the thought of going back was worrying. Huffing and puffing, walking up slope and climbing stairs, we all returned after a nice Gelato on the beach.

Back to the hotel for 2 hours rest and at 7:00 to a restaurant on the water front for dinner. Again a very good dinner of white fish, pasta with clams and wine. Back at the hotel at 10:00.

Day six:

Wake up early and luggage outside at 6:45. Same breakfast of cold cuts, cheese, cereal etc.

We left and on the way stopped at a wood in-lay factory. Interesting demonstration and possibility to purchase items.

We drove to Assisi, Romano's favorite town since he got married there, and the place where St. Francis was born and is berried. Again lunch at an Autogrill.

In Assisi we visited the small Church St. Francis built and the big Cathedral built over it to protect it. A visit to a Basilica with beautiful frescos, paintings etc. A medieval town built on the slopes of a mountain (again climbing streets). A lot of climbing up and down the slopes, up and down stairs. 

A drive to our hotel - a very modern building, very nice modern rooms. Dinner at the hotel. Not very good of pork, pasta and salad.

Day seven:

After breakfast we left on the way to Venice. A short stop by a church for lunch. Excellent lasagne (home made), wine or beer and ice cream.

On the coach again with Romano's stories about his flying days that made us die of laughter. 

We arrived in Venice at 3:00 to a cool, foggy day on the verge of rain. We did not stop at the hotel but right away took a water taxi through the Grand Canal. From there unto 8 Gondolas with 2 sets of musicians and singers and champagne bottles. What a wonderful experience. 

At 6:00 we returned to the mainland where our hotel was located. A very big, modern hotel, nice big rooms.

At 7:00 dinner in the hotel. Very good meal of pasta with vegetables, turkey breast, veg. potatoes, cake.

Day eight:

After the standard breakfast, we drove to the port to take a boat to St. Marco's square and the glass blowing factory. We arrived early, the square was deserted and we proceeded to the glass blowing factory. After a demonstration and after having time to shop at the factory, we were given 4 hours of free time to shop, visit, wonder and eat. Some of us sat at a cafe in St. Marco's square for a drink and pizza. Wonderful time to people watch and enjoy a beautiful, sunny day. 

At 1:30 we meet the rest of the group and took a boat ride to the island of Burano. This island is a dream place, colorful houses, small streets, bridges over water, clothes hanging to dry blowing in the wind and small shops. Lunch was at a seafood restaurant and is considered the best on the tour. If you don't like seafood, oh well, you will get something else like pasta. We had probably 6-7 different things to eat, wine and drinks. After lunch, a little shopping and back to the hotel.

Day nine:

We left Venice in the morning and drove towards Milan. Stopped on the way at Autogrill for lunch. Before Milan we stopped in the city of Verona to visit Romeo & Juliet's balcony. Took pictures hugging Juliet's statue and touching the right breast for good luck! A walk through the main street, window shopping and to the main square. Back to the coach for a 2 hour drive to Milan.

In Milan we visited a castle with local guide and a tour of La Scala opera house. When we came out, we walked through the famous Galleria shopping mall. A beautiful structure, exclusive shops, cafe shops and wealthy Italians strolling by. At the other end of the mall we came out to a most extraordinary site - the magnificent Cathedral. No words to describe the beauty. We had a free hour to wonder, take photos, eat Gelato and back to the coach to drive north to Varese. It is close to Switzerland and the Alps were covered in snow. The weather turned cold and at some point we had hail. 

The hotel, huge, modern, big rooms nicely decorated and a balcony facing horse race track. 

An hour to rest, change clothes or take a shower and then dinner at the hotel. Good dinner: pasta, veal, vegetables etc.

To bed at 10:30.

Day ten:

Breakfast was very nice, more varieties than other hotels. We left at 8:30 on a beautiful day of sunny weather on a scenic drive around Lake Como. Some great villas, the lake and mountains around very peaceful. We boarded a boat that took us around the lake and across to Bellagio. A beautiful small town like so many others we visited. Small boutiques, cobble stone streets on the lake front. One main street parallel to the water and all the streets go up from there. We had free time to shop and walk around. Had lunch at an outdoor restaurant with a view of the lake. So peaceful and dreamy.

Back to the boat and to the coach on a narrow road to Lugano. It was Easter Sunday and not all stores were open but in the town square was a Farmers' Market and entertainment, people strolling by enjoying the beautiful day with children or sitting in coffee shops or restaurants. What a life! The place is amazing, by the lake and so inviting. 

Back to the hotel and a rest for 1-1/2 hours before dinner. Dinner at the hotel of fish, Gnocchi, salad and desert.

Day eleven:

After breakfast we left the hotel at 8:00 on the way to Pisa. The weather was cool but sunny. When we arrived, we took a small train to the main gate. The streets are packed with tourists, small booths with gifts everywhere. We had an hour to walk and take photos and off to Florence. It was a long drive and this time Romano played for us 2 movies, one was "Under the Tuscany Sun". 

The hotel was located in the center of town. It was old, with charm and character like you would see in old movies. My room was on the 5th floor - the elevator reached only the 4th floor. It was a "penthouse" view. I opened the doors to a nice balcony and the view was of the city. 

Rested 1-1/2 hours and then out to dinner in the country side. We were greeted by the owner who also produces his own wine. We were served fried mozzarella cheese and fried olives with a glass of very unique blue wine. At first there was a big buffet of salads, cheese, cold cuts, and other antipasti. For the main course - they brought out a huge try with prime rib on fire. It was very good dinner. Another great wine was served made of strawberries. A few musicians and singer entertained us, we danced and had a fun evening. 

Back to the hotel at 10:30.

Day twelve:

This morning we had to be ready to go at 7:45 since Romano was able to secure tickets for us to go and visit the Academy of Fine Arts. A local guide met us and we were first in line to see the original statue of "David" by Michelangelo. It was as beautiful as expected. We spent some time at the Academy and than took a walking tour of the city of Florence. 

In the city square Romano took us to a shop that sells gold and to a leather factory. Left us to shop for 4 hours. We did some shopping, had lunch in a small restaurant in the square and met with the group to drive to San Germiniano, a medieval town in beautiful Tuscany. 

Here we go again, climbing up steep streets and up steps. It was a good thing that the weather was nice and cool. Main street full of small shops and in the town square - the World's Best Gelato shop. This was my 2nd Gelato of the day but when in Italy you have to have one a day. 

Back to the hotel for a 45 minute rest and then to Be My Guest dinner in the country. It was not a great dinner: Risotto, chicken, potatoes.

Back at the hotel at 10:30

Day thirteen:

First day of light rain. We drove to Sienna and on the way stopped at a viewing point to see the city of Florence and another statue of David. A short ride to the American cemetery for soldiers who died while fighting for Italy in WWI and WWII. In Sienna we did not feel like walking much because of the weather but again, it was up hill thru the

main street. By the time we were ready to get on the coach it was windy and cold. 

It was a long drive back to Rome. 

Dinner was at a restaurant - Farewell dinner. Lots of fun, drinking, photos, hugs, goodbyes, tips for Romano and the driver, Alfonzo, some emotional speeches thanking them for an amazing tour.

I hope that this Tour Tale gives you an idea of what to expect from the tour. If you are lucky to have Romano as your tour director, you will have an amazing time. The tour is very busy from early morning till late at night especially if you take all the optionals offered. I did them all but I like to be busy and see as much as possible. All the optionals were great and the total price was 519 Euros per person. 

We were extremely lucky to have wonderful weather because I can't imagine what it would be like in the rain (walking up hill and up stairs on cobble stone streets) or in the heat of summer, sweating and hot while physically challenging yourself. 

If anyone has more questions about the tour, please ask.