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Post by chech on Mar 1, 2016 21:47:00 GMT
My travel tale of Monogram's Italy and Sicily can be found here. ~~~~~ Views = 6429 ~~~~~
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Post by tiffany on Mar 4, 2016 0:04:14 GMT
I can't wait to read about this trip. I love Italy and can't wait to go back there someday! Until then, I'll be living vicariously through you and your tour tale.
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Post by Oz-T on Mar 4, 2016 11:38:39 GMT
I'm also interested in hearing about this trip. I've used Eurail a fair bit in the past, including Paris-Milan-Venice-Florence-Pisa-Rome-Naples.
The Trenitalia train network works well and you see a lot of the countryside while travelling fast in a comfortable seat.
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Post by chech on Mar 4, 2016 12:40:33 GMT
I can't wait to read about this trip. I love Italy and can't wait to go back there someday! Until then, I'll be living vicariously through you and your tour tale. Cool. If you have any suggestions of stuff to see outside of the usual spots in any of the four major stops....Sorrento, Rome, Florence or Venice, let me know. My included tours will see the highlights and I have a minimum of a half day of free time in each city and can walk the city centres....so I'm looking at what little gems might be there that I shouldn't miss. I'm almost done pre-writing my tales (a bit of history on everything I know I'm going to see) and wow, there's a lot! I'm going to start looking at what I can see on my free time. Have you been to the Uffizi in Florence?
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Post by chech on Mar 4, 2016 12:49:01 GMT
I'm also interested in hearing about this trip. I've used Eurail a fair bit in the past, including Paris-Milan-Venice-Florence-Pisa-Rome-Naples.
The Trenitalia train network works well and you see a lot of the countryside while travelling fast in a comfortable seat. Apparently, we are in first class for the three rail legs! As much as I love rail travel, finding the train in the station still freaks me out a bit. I don't know if the transfers will show me to my platform or just show me to the door like transfers to the airports. Catching the train from Zurich to Lucerne last year was a major coup for me. And I'll take the Circumvesuviana on my own on the second day....but that's easy...Sorrento is it's last stop. I can't possibly get on the wrong train! LOL I also don't know if it'll be a Tour of One again...but I'm guessing no as this tour only departs once a week instead of everyday, so I'll likely have company for all the included stuff. 4 weeks to go and I bought a new camera - an Olympus mirrorless. And I just started a course to help get the most out of it. Gonna be fun playing with that in Italy.
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Post by tiffany on Mar 4, 2016 14:17:02 GMT
I can't wait to read about this trip. I love Italy and can't wait to go back there someday! Until then, I'll be living vicariously through you and your tour tale. Cool. If you have any suggestions of stuff to see outside of the usual spots in any of the four major stops....Sorrento, Rome, Florence or Venice, let me know. My included tours will see the highlights and I have a minimum of a half day of free time in each city and can walk the city centres....so I'm looking at what little gems might be there that I shouldn't miss. I'm almost done pre-writing my tales (a bit of history on everything I know I'm going to see) and wow, there's a lot! I'm going to start looking at what I can see on my free time. Have you been to the Uffizi in Florence? I have not been to the Uffizi in Florence, and would like to go back to Florence one day in order to check it out. Florence is the one place I really feel like I didn't see enough of during both of my trips to Italy. Other than that, I visited the usual places in the other cities. I mentioned Ostia while in Rome, but I read that you are already considering going there. I think I mentioned Burano to you, the island off of Venice. It's very quaint there and I would recommend spending a few hours walking around the island. There's so much to see and do in Italy, you have to go back a few times just to fit everything in.
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Post by marielouise on Mar 4, 2016 14:34:28 GMT
I can't wait to read about this trip. I love Italy and can't wait to go back there someday! Until then, I'll be living vicariously through you and your tour tale. Cool. If you have any suggestions of stuff to see outside of the usual spots in any of the four major stops....Sorrento, Rome, Florence or Venice, let me know. My included tours will see the highlights and I have a minimum of a half day of free time in each city and can walk the city centres....so I'm looking at what little gems might be there that I shouldn't miss. I'm almost done pre-writing my tales (a bit of history on everything I know I'm going to see) and wow, there's a lot! I'm going to start looking at what I can see on my free time. Have you been to the Uffizi in Florence? We went to the Uffizi last March or end of February. We had bought tickets on line but it was not necessary at that time of year, the tickets are for a specific time. Luckily we were able to enter about 1 hour before our designated time. We enjoyed it, it is very big, first you have to climb steps to the top floor. There are a lot of statues in the hall way around the circumference of the building, we spent too much time looking at them and became exhausted after the top floor. There is a second floor. There are a lot of famous paintings in the rooms which we enjoyed more. For us it was totally worth while although we missed the optional to San Gimignano.
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Post by chech on Mar 4, 2016 16:38:02 GMT
I have not been to the Uffizi in Florence, and would like to go back to Florence one day in order to check it out. Florence is the one place I really feel like I didn't see enough of during both of my trips to Italy. Other than that, I visited the usual places in the other cities. I mentioned Ostia while in Rome, but I read that you are already considering going there. I think I mentioned Burano to you, the island off of Venice. It's very quaint there and I would recommend spending a few hours walking around the island. There's so much to see and do in Italy, you have to go back a few times just to fit everything in. I've signed up for the Siena/San Gimignano optional for one day so I only get an afternoon in Florence free. I might forgo Uffizi in order to get a chance to wander...and like you said...gotta go back to fit it all it! LOL I've changed Ostia for the Angels and Demons Rome walking tour. I have the hop on/hop off tickets and 2 free afternoons as well. My hotel is just east of the Vatican...maybe a kilometre, so it's a great location. And I signed up for a tour of Burano and Murano in Venice. It's the afternoon after the included tour is done so that gives me the next day completely free to wander Venice.
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Post by chech on Mar 4, 2016 16:40:43 GMT
We went to the Uffizi last March or end of February. We had bought tickets on line but it was not necessary at that time of year, the tickets are for a specific time. Luckily we were able to enter about 1 hour before our designated time. We enjoyed it, it is very big, first you have to climb steps to the top floor. There are a lot of statues in the hall way around the circumference of the building, we spent too much time looking at them and became exhausted after the top floor. There is a second floor. There are a lot of famous paintings in the rooms which we enjoyed more. For us it was totally worth while although we missed the optional to San Gimignano. Ah, I'm doing a Viator side trip to Siena/San Gimignano. I might have to leave Uffizi for my next trip there....unless my train gets into Florence early in the day...then I'll have two free afternoons and I could have my local host get me a ticket.
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Post by Owen on Mar 5, 2016 5:18:27 GMT
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Post by Oz-T on Mar 5, 2016 10:41:29 GMT
Chech, catching the trains is a fairly straightforward process as the platforms are clearly marked, as are the electronic signs.
Make sure you're early onto the platform and look for the sign that designates where the carriage stops. Your ticket should reveal what carriage you're in so you can stand on the platform exactly where that carriage stops.
This is important because the earlier you're into the carriage, the better you're positioned to store your luggage in the designated area (you can't hold it at your seat as you'll block the aisle). Grabbing a good spot for your luggage is helpful because these areas can fill quickly.
I'd also advise that you cast a glance over toward that area from time to time to ensure you see your bag still there.
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Post by chech on Mar 5, 2016 13:41:04 GMT
Oh right! Spring in Italy should be awesome for flowers! (Note to self: Pack extra anti-histamine) Yeah...it's getting to the platform and making sure I'm on the right carriage and train that freaks me a bit. When I did the train tour through Scandinavia, I didn't pay any attention as we were led everywhere. Same in Japan but I did take note that the train has signs above the platform indicating the train and some trains had a tinker-tape. That was nice. I'm guessing these trains will also have overhead storage. My bag is light enough for me to toss it up there if there's room. The Japan trains had racks in the back/front while the Scandinavia ones only had empty space. On the racks, if I wasn't sure about security, I could have clipped my carabiner onto the rack under the luggage, out of sight. It wouldn't stop someone from taking it but they would make enough of a racket as they tried to figure out what was stopping them from removing it....LOL. We didn't worry about theft in Japan. I certainly will be in Italy.
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Post by tiffany on Mar 5, 2016 15:18:29 GMT
I have not been to the Uffizi in Florence, and would like to go back to Florence one day in order to check it out. Florence is the one place I really feel like I didn't see enough of during both of my trips to Italy. Other than that, I visited the usual places in the other cities. I mentioned Ostia while in Rome, but I read that you are already considering going there. I think I mentioned Burano to you, the island off of Venice. It's very quaint there and I would recommend spending a few hours walking around the island. There's so much to see and do in Italy, you have to go back a few times just to fit everything in. I've signed up for the Siena/San Gimignano optional for one day so I only get an afternoon in Florence free. I might forgo Uffizi in order to get a chance to wander...and like you said...gotta go back to fit it all it! LOL I've changed Ostia for the Angels and Demons Rome walking tour. I have the hop on/hop off tickets and 2 free afternoons as well. My hotel is just east of the Vatican...maybe a kilometre, so it's a great location. And I signed up for a tour of Burano and Murano in Venice. It's the afternoon after the included tour is done so that gives me the next day completely free to wander Venice. The Angels and Demons walking tour of Rome sounds awesome! It's a tour that I'd like to do someday. You can see Ostia the next time you're in Rome.
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Post by Oz-T on Mar 6, 2016 9:00:32 GMT
You won't have big problems finding the correct platform, Chech. They're clearly marked with signage. And you couldn't pick a better non-English speaking country than Italy; it's their second language and almost everyone in the main cities should be able to assist you if you need guidance.
Many trains do have an overhead rack but you won't be able store much up there if one exists. A small bag is best left at your feet.
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Post by chech on Mar 6, 2016 12:29:17 GMT
Yeah, that's what I like about Italy and recommend it to nervous first time travellers who are afraid to travel to non-English countries in Europe. Still remember the one woman on the old board who wondered if she needed to spend $1000 on language learning software before going.
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Post by chech on Mar 6, 2016 12:33:11 GMT
The Angels and Demons walking tour of Rome sounds awesome! It's a tour that I'd like to do someday. You can see Ostia the next time you're in Rome. And there's an Inferno one for Florence I won't have time to do....so much to see...so little time....and I have Brazil, Nunavut, Greenland, Costa Rica and Nepal/Tibet in the way right now. I'm hoping that I find going by rail so easy and convenient, I can go back on my own to see the rest and other spots like Cinque Terre. Have you been there?
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Post by bet on Mar 6, 2016 12:36:37 GMT
I'll be looking forward to your Italian tale Chech. Italy is on my radar in the coming years, my one and only visit was brief and a long time ago. I have done Europe by rail on my own a few times although not in Italy and I've never had any issues even with a heavy suitcase and found it easy to use after my first go.
Im unsure about Italy but from my experience, platforms at large train stations will have sectors (A,B,C etc) and the signs on the platforms should indicate which sector is 1st class. You can also tell a first class carriage as they should have a yellow stripe along the top of the carriage and have '1' plastered somewhere on the carriage. I wouldn't be surprised if your train tickets have the seat reservation included in the tour price which makes it a bit easier and your ticket will give the train service number so it's just a matter of looking at departure boards for your platform. Some trains will have a screen or some sort of a list beside the doors that shows the major stops and the final destination. Hope you have a great trip.
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Post by tiffany on Mar 6, 2016 14:06:48 GMT
The Angels and Demons walking tour of Rome sounds awesome! It's a tour that I'd like to do someday. You can see Ostia the next time you're in Rome. And there's an Inferno one for Florence I won't have time to do....so much to see...so little time....and I have Brazil, Nunavut, Greenland, Costa Rica and Nepal/Tibet in the way right now. I'm hoping that I find going by rail so easy and convenient, I can go back on my own to see the rest and other spots like Cinque Terre. Have you been there? I have not been to Cinque Terre yet. Just another reason for me to have to go back to Italy! The Inferno tour in Florence sounds great as well. I really want to go back to Florence someday so I can see more of that city.
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Pauline
Full Member
Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley, WW1 Battlefields and Northern Spain in Sep 2023 with Insight
Posts: 210
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Post by Pauline on Mar 7, 2016 6:36:04 GMT
I was fortunate to visit 2 of the Cinque Terra towns back in 2013. Manarola for a walk around
and then Vernazza for lunch and another walk around. The other 3 towns that are part of the National Park are Monterosso, Corniglia and Riomaggiore.
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Post by Oz-T on Mar 7, 2016 12:24:06 GMT
I've been to the Uffizi in Florence. And it was well worth the visit. The gallery comprises two long corridors connected by a small corridor at one end. Each of the long corridors has a series of rooms attached, all with artworks inside.
As you would anticipate, most of the works have a deep religious theme. Some amazing artists have works on display: Giotto, Titian, Michaelangelo, Botticelli, DaVinci, Dürer, Holbein, Raphael, Rubens, Caravaggio, Rembrandt and Delacroix. I'd imagine that Botticelli's Birth of Venus would be the best known masterpiece here.
As with many European museums, you quickly get overwhelmed with so many magnificent artworks it's hard to linger long enough to take in each one on its individual characteristics.
Near the corner of the third corridor there's a window where you get a great view and photos of Ponte Vecchio. Open the window for the photo if necessary.
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Post by chech on Mar 7, 2016 14:37:45 GMT
I was fortunate to visit 2 of the Cinque Terra towns back in 2013. Manarola for a walk around
and then Vernazza for lunch and another walk around. The other 3 towns that are part of the National Park are Monterosso, Corniglia and Riomaggiore. A photographers paradise! Have you seen the Insight Tour - Principalities of Europe? It starts in Barcelona and ends in Rome and visits all the principalities along the coast and includes 2 days in Cinque Terre. Had my eye on that one for a while but I can't see it on their site right now. Wonder if they discontinued it...
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Post by chech on Mar 7, 2016 14:40:16 GMT
I've been to the Uffizi in Florence. And it was well worth the visit. The gallery comprises two long corridors connected by a small corridor at one end. Each of the long corridors has a series of rooms attached, all with artworks inside. As you would anticipate, most of the works have a deep religious theme. Some amazing artists have works on display: Giotto, Titian, Michaelangelo, Botticelli, DaVinci, Dürer, Holbein, Raphael, Rubens, Caravaggio, Rembrandt and Delacroix. I'd imagine that Botticelli's Birth of Venus would be the best known masterpiece here. As with many European museums, you quickly get overwhelmed with so many magnificent artworks it's hard to linger long enough to take in each one on its individual characteristics. Near the corner of the third corridor there's a window where you get a great view and photos of Ponte Vecchio. Open the window for the photo if necessary. Photo opportunity? Sold! LOL (Did I mention I bought a new camera? An Olympus mirrorless. Far superior to my Sony and size is about the same) Actually, just found a tour that offers the Uffizi and the Vasari Corridor later in the afternoon which I could likely do on my first full day there...now that'd be sweet...hmmm
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Post by chech on Mar 7, 2016 15:19:23 GMT
LOL...that was easy. Uffizi and Vasari corridor tour booked. Loving this semi-independent touring!
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Pauline
Full Member
Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley, WW1 Battlefields and Northern Spain in Sep 2023 with Insight
Posts: 210
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Post by Pauline on Mar 9, 2016 4:23:24 GMT
I was fortunate to visit 2 of the Cinque Terra towns back in 2013. Manarola for a walk around and then Vernazza for lunch and another walk around. The other 3 towns that are part of the National Park are Monterosso, Corniglia and Riomaggiore. A photographers paradise! Have you seen the Insight Tour - Principalities of Europe? It starts in Barcelona and ends in Rome and visits all the principalities along the coast and includes 2 days in Cinque Terre. Had my eye on that one for a while but I can't see it on their site right now. Wonder if they discontinued it... Hi chech, yes I have seen that tour and it's on my list for 2018. It's still on the Australian website. www.insightvacations.com/au/tours/principalities-of-europe-summer-2016A friend in Brisbane did it in 2015.
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Post by chech on Mar 9, 2016 11:22:46 GMT
Ah, your link brought up the Canadian site listing. So happy it's still offered. It could be a consideration for me for Fall 2017 or Summer 2018.
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Post by Oz-T on Mar 13, 2016 23:28:52 GMT
.... (Did I mention I bought a new camera? An Olympus mirrorless. Far superior to my Sony and size is about the same)That's interesting, Chech. I was impressed with your old camera - those zoom images when I was with you at the observation deck of the Eureka Tower were perfect. Mirrorless? So it's not an SLR? Why the change?
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Post by chech on Mar 14, 2016 1:00:13 GMT
It's as close as I can get to SLR without the bulk. The only real difference is there's no mirror, so the body is more compact. Other than that, it has all the functionality of an SLR. Mine is a 1/2 frame which is heads and tails better than the sony which had a tiny sensor. I bought three lenses for it. One wide, one medium and a telephoto that gets close to what my sony did. This one also has RAW, bulb and so much more than the sony did too. And no more carrying two cameras to get the full range (I was using the sony for most of my pictures but kept taking out my little Olympus Tough to use its wide angle.) So, just as well I stuck with a couple lenses than a couple cameras. LOL
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Post by chech on Mar 23, 2016 15:15:09 GMT
Nine days to go! Best part at this point...I can see the long range forecast and get a sense as to what I need to pack. The average temps in the mid-teens are jumping into the low 20s at the end of next week. And the first four days in Sorrento are all sunny....for now, at least.
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Post by Tonnet on Mar 26, 2016 1:19:30 GMT
The time gets away pretty quickly and you are now on a short fuse.
Not far from the Trevi Fountain and fairly close to the Spanish Steps is The Pantheon - converted from a pagan place of worship to a Christian church. quite fascinating and very beautiful.
I am sure that the restoration of the Trevi Fountain (cannot get that song out of my mind - Three Coins in the Fountain) is now complete - unfortunately it was drained and they were also working on the facade at the same time in April, 2015.
Rome is fascinating as there is something around every corner!
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Post by chech on Mar 26, 2016 11:46:22 GMT
Yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing the Pantheon. I didn't see it last time I was there. I did see the fountain and the renovation is done. I just looked at a live cam, and at first, I was blown away by the crowd, but it's easter weekend...which is why I scheduled this trip to start the week after...LOL. The other thing I notice is that the pool looks much larger than I remember and there looks to be a stepped viewing area. Guess throwing the coins in the fountain in 1994 really did have an effect. I'm going back! LOL Oh, and I just noticed that the Vittorio Emmanuale Monument has a viewing terrace now. For 7 euro, you can take an elevator to the top.
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