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2005-03-27T17:56:00.000-08:00

Places to Say in Rome

2005-01-30T15:58:00.000-08:00

RESEARCH TO FIND A PLACE TO STAY IN ROME
Convents, Apartments, Hotels
I am starting with the intention of staying in a convent.

Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement

Instituto Santa Giullianna Falconieri.

SUORE SACRA FAMIGLIA
Viale Vaticano, 92
00192 Roma
Telephone: 06.3972.3844; fax: 06.3972.3792
Rates are: € 30,00 for a single room; € 52,00 for a double room; € 37,00 for a room with 3 beds; € 83,00 for a room with 4 beds. No breakfast or other meals are served. Curfew is at 12:00pm.

Santa Susanna Church, the American Parish in Rome, Via XX Settembre, 15 (Mailing address: The Paulist Fathers, Via Antonio Salandra, 6, 00187 Rome, Italy; 011-390- 6488-2748). Santa Susanna also maintains a web site, www.santasusanna.org, that is helpful to visitors to Rome. Included are numerous recommendations for dining and convent accommodations.

THE DEFINITIVE LIST
http://www.santasusanna.org/comingToRome/convents.html#R-vatican

Convents in Italy

Rome is an expensive city for accommodations. Even a double room in a moderately priced hotel in Rome can be expensive. While one and two star pensioni are less expensive, the best bargain by far are convents that take in paying guests. Convents are located all over central Rome and many are found near the Vatican. They accept women and men, as well as families with children. Be aware that most convents have a nightly curfew. Here are some of our recommendations for Rome, Assisi, Florence, San Gimingnano, San Giovanni Rotondo and Venice.

A Word of Advice:. You will notice that many convents now have email addresses, and this is certainly the best way to reach them. If there is no email it is best to fax them. Most of the convents listed have someone who speaks English available. We have included a few places where English is not spoken, but the facility is so well located, it is worth the difficulty in communicating!

ROME: Convents Near the Vatican

CASA D’ACCOGLIENZA S. SPIRITO
Suore Francescane dell’Addolorata
Borgo S. Spirito, 41
00193 Rome
Telephone: 06.686.1076 – Fax: 06.686.5664
e-mail: ssmsanpietro@libero.it
The prices are: € 40,00 for a room with two beds, € 35,00 for a room with 3 or 4 beds, children up to 12 years of age pay € 10,00; students up to 25 years of age pay € 25,00. The prices are per person. Only breakfast is served; curfew is at 11:00pm during the summer and at 10:00pm during the winter.

ISTITUTO MARIA SANTISSIMA BAMBINA
Via Paolo VI, 21
00120 Città del Vaticano
Telephone: 06.6989.3511; Fax: 06.6989.3531
e-mail: IMBSPIETRO@Tin.it
The prices for bed and breakfast are: € 44,00 for a single room; € 39,00 for a double room; € 36,00 for a room with 3 beds. The prices are per person. Other meals are available at request.

SUORE SACRA FAMIGLIA
Viale Vaticano, 92
00192 Roma
Telephone: 06.3972.3844; fax: 06.3972.3792
Rates are: € 30,00 for a single room; € 52,00 for a double room; € 37,00 for a room with 3 beds; € 83,00 for a room with 4 beds. No breakfast or other meals are served. Curfew is at 12:00pm.

FIGLIE DELLA CARITA’ DI S. VINCENZO DÈ PAOLI
Via Ezio, 28
00192 Roma
Tel: 06.321.6686; fax: 06.323.0261, located near the LEPANTO subway stop.
Rates are : € 35,00 for a single room; € 43,00 for a double room. The prices are per person, with breakfast. Other meals are available at request. Curfew is at 11:00pm.

ISTITUTO SACRO CUORE
Villa Lante
Via S. Francesco di Sales, 18
00165 Rome
Telephone: 06.6880.6032; Fax: 06.689.3848.
Prices are: € 35,00 for a single room; € 54,00 for a double room; prices are per person and with breakfast. Bathrooms are along the corridor; other meals are available at request. Curfew is at 11:00pm.

MAESTRE PIE FILIPPINE / Casa Auxilium Christianorum
Via Giuseppe Messori, 19
00165 Rome
Telephone: 06.635.201; fax: 06.635.201
e-mail: Tertas@Virgilio.it
They charge € 35,00 for a single room; € 66,00 for a double room; and € 93,00 for a room with three beds. Prices include breakfast – no other meals are served. Curfew at 11:00pm.

SUORE PALLOTTINE
Viale delle Mure Aurelie, 7B
00165 Rome
Telephone: 06.635.697; Fax: 06.3936.6943
e-mail: suore_pallottine@tiscali.it
Rates are € 45,00 for a single room with, € 60,00 for a double room. Prices vary as not all rooms are with private bath. Only breakfast is served. There is a curfew at 12:00pm.

SUORE TEATINE
Salita Monte del Gallo, 25
00165 Rome
Telephone: 06.637.4084 or 06.637.4653; Fax: 06.3937.9050
e-mail: suoreteatine@inwind.it
Rates are € 45,00 for a single room, € 66,00 for a double room and € 93,00 for a triple room. Only breakfast is served. Curfew is at 11:00pm.

Casa per ferie “SANTA MARIA ALLE FORNACI”
Piazza S. Maria alle Fornaci, 27
00165 Rome
Telephone: 06.393.67632; Fax: 06.393.66795
e-mail: cffornaci@tin.it
Prices are € 50,00 for a single room; € 80,00 for a double room; 110,00 for a room with 3 beds; prices are per person with breakfast. No other meals are served.

VILLA AURELIA
Via Leone XII, 459
00165 Rome
Telephone: 06.6601.7458; Fax: 06.6604.49467
e-mail: villaaurelia@libero.it
Prices are per person with breakfast: € 62,00 for a single room and € 98 for a double room. Other meals are available at request.

SUORE DOROTEE
Via del Gianicolo, 4A,
00165 Rome
Tel. 06.6880.3349; FAX 06.6880.3311
Halfway on the Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo) from colorful Trastevere in a quiet spot with a pretty garden across the street from the medieval church of S. Onofrio and near the North American College where many Americans study for priesthood. Full board is € 65,00 per person and half is € 60,00. For a single room the price is € 65,00 for half board and
€ 70,00 for full board. All rooms have private baths. Curfew is at 11:00. English and French spoken. They are recommended by the Vatican Tourist Information Bureau.

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ROME: Convents in the Historic Center

The best location in Rome, near the Spanish steps…
LE SUORE DI LOURDES
Via Sistina, 113 - 00187 Rome.
Tel. 06.474.5324; FAX: 06.4741.422.
Via Sistina, which runs from the top of the Spanish Steps to Piazza Barberini, has been the center of action in Rome since the 18th century and is still an elegant shopping street. They charge € 70,00 for a single room without bath; € 32,00 per person for a double room. Only breakfast is included and no other meals are served. Le Suore di Lourdes is a great find. Curfew is at 10:30PM.

ALBERGO GIUSTI, Suore di Sant'Anna, Via Giusti, 5 00185 Roma, Italia, Tel. 06.7045.3462, Fax. 06.7049.0388. Email: s.annagiusti@tiscali.it Starting in January 2005, our Albergo rtes will be aumented. Single bedroom costs 48,m00 euro per night with breakfast. The costs of the double bedroom in Euro: 84,00 euro per night including breakfast and Triple bedroom costs 117,00 euro. All rooms have private bthrooms, toilets and showes. Located between the two Basilicas: Santa Maria Maggiore and San Giovanni in Laterano, not from the main train station. Next Linea A Metro stop: Piazza Vittorio Emmanuele.

CASA DI SANTA BRIGIDA
Piazza Farnese, 96 - 00186 Rome.
Tel. 06.6889.2596; FAX: 06.6889.1573;
e-mail: brigida@mclink.it
Piazza Farnese is near the Campo dè Fiori and within walking distance from Castel Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's Basilica.

CASA IL ROSARIO
Via S. Agata dei Goti, 10 –
00184 Rome.
Tel. 06.679.2346; FAX: 06.6994.1106
e-mail: irodopre@tin.it
Located near the Quirinale Palace and Piazza Venezia. Prices for bed and breakfast are
€ 45,00 for a single room with bath, € 35,00 without bath, and € 75,00 for a double room and € 105,00 for a room with 3 beds. They also have a single Handicapable room with access! No other meals are served and curfew is at 11:20PM.

FRATERNA DOMUS
Via del Monte Brianza, 62
00186 Rome.
Tel. 06.6880.2727; FAX: 06.683.2691
e-mail domusrm@tin.it
Centrally located between the Tiber and Piazza Navona. Recommended by the Vatican Tourist Information Bureau. They charge Euro 48,90. per person for room with breakfast and Euro 78.00 for a double room. Euro 98,00. All rooms have private baths. Other meals are available at request. Curfew is at 11:00pm.

SUORE DI SANT'ANNA DELLA PROVVIDENZA
Via Giusti, 5 - 00185 Rome.
Tel. 06.7045.3462; FAX: 7045.3513
e-mail: s.annagiusti@tiscali.it
is located midway between San Giovanni and Santa Maria Maggiore.
For a single room € 45,00, for a double € 78,00, and €101,25 for a room with 3 beds. Prices include breakfast. No other meals are served. Curfew is at 10:30pm.

CASA UNIONE MISTERIUM CHRISTI
(Via Merulana, 174 - 00185 Rome.
Tel. 06.70492421; FAX: 06.7707.7707.
They charge € 36,15 per person for bed and breakfast. Curfew at 11:00pm.

VILLA ROSA, Dominican Sisters
Via Terme Deciane, 5
00153 Rome
Tel. 06.5717.091 – Fax: 06.5745.275
e-mail: villarosa2000@libero.it
Located between the Piramid and Circo Massimo and easily reached either by bus or subway. English spoken. The fares for bed and breakfast are € 45,00 for a single room; € 80,00 for a double room and € 35 per person in a room with 3 beds. No other meals are served.

SANTA SOFIA
Piazza Madonna dei Monti, 3
00184 Rome
Tel. 06.485.778 – Fax: 06.487.1064
e-mail: santasofia@tiscalinet.it
Located near the Colosseum. The charges here are € 42,00 for a single room; € 67,00 for a double room and € 100,50 for a room with 3 beds. The prices include breakfast; other meals are available at request. Curfew is at 12:00pm.

CASA SANTA FRANCESCA ROMANA
Via dei Vascellari, 61
00153 Roma
Tel and fax: 06.5812.125
Visit their website for more information at www.sfromana.it
or their e-mail: istituto@sfromana.it

For a complete listings of convents and other religious institutions that offer low-cost accommodations to visitors, write to:

Vicariato di Roma,
Piazza S. Giovanni, 6
00184 Rome, Italy; or to

The Rome Tourist Board,
Via Parigi, 11
00185 Rome, Italy
email: www.romaturismo.it.

A SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATION
http://www.pbs.org/moneymoves/hot_topics2/ht_220/europe.html
convent of the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement. It's a place where travelers can really get a sense of the spirit of the Holy City. Convent stays aren't for everyone, with their evening curfews, optional daily mass, and quiet religious setting. Still, at about $30 per adult, $15 for kids, breakfast included, it's an inexpensive way to visit the birthplace of modern Christianity...and a safe refuge from the bustle of the big city.

Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement
Our Lady of the Atonement Convent
Via Monte del Gallo 105
00165 Rome, Italy
011-39-6-630782
FAX: 011-39-6-6386149

A SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATION
http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/graffiti23.html

Convent in Rome
My sister and I stayed at: Pontificio Istituto Maestre Pie Filippini Via Giuseppe Missori, 19 00165 Roma Tel. 0039 06 63 52 01 Fax. 0039 06 63 63 47 Email. tertas@virgilio.it.

It was very very close to the Vatican and to a Bus 64 stop, and also, for Rome, reasonably priced - 60 euros for a sparse clean room with two comfy beds and a sink, with a very clean bathroom down the hall. Breakfast was included and was our favorite breakfast from all of Europe - simple but tasty. The nuns reply by e-mail very quickly - and in English - which was a plus.

The only downside was that we were far from the walkable center of Rome, but the area is very safe and very quiet, and there are the handy buses. Plus, living in a convent for a few days was a kick - although there is an 11 pm curfew, and there are rosaries and Madonnas everywhere, but you can join the sisters in their chapel for worship, and it's very comfortable, even if you aren't Catholic. If you do go, they don't mention that the convent is at the end of a gated street - ring the bell at the gate for the convent, walk to the end of the street, and ring the bell again at their entryway. It seems to be a great place for families or spouses, or siblings or friends, but probably look elsewhere if you're an unwed couple or looking for a party at night.
Kristina <email>
San Francisco Area, CA USA 01/12/04

A SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATION
http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/graffiti23.html
Convent in Rome
We have been extremely pleased with this convent in Rome. Instituto Santa Giullianna Falconieri. VERY central accomodation (2 blocks from the Pantheon), big rooms, clean as a whistle. We just returned from there- 3 nights with breakfast was 195 euros. The sisters are extremely cheerful and can answer lots of questions for you (and no, you don't have to go to mass)The doors close at 12:00 midnight- you have to be buzzed in with an electric door so you feel safe leaving your stuff in your room. This is our second stay and we can't recommend it enough
gwen rogers <email>
arlington, va USA 09/14/03

GENERAL REVIEW ON THE EXPERIENCE OF STAYING IN A CONVENT
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0003/convent_stays_in_rome.shtml
The Rooms: Quiet, safe, and beautifully appointed, our rooms overlooked the convent garden. There were no “matrimonial” beds, but at less than $75 per night for a double with bath, it felt like a royal bargain.

Curfew: The major drawback to convent lodging is the almost ubiquitous curfew. One night we took an evening walk, and, not thinking of the curfew, suddenly found ourselves at the Capitoline Hill less than half an hour before the 10:30 lockdown. Through a combination of bus-hopping and all-out running we made it in time. This one experience aside, the curfew simply wasn’t an issue. Most nights we were not only in bed but asleep well before the doors were locked. That way we were ready to get out and watch Rome wake up shortly after the doors were opened at 6 a.m.

LIST WITH NO OTHER ANNOTATIONS
http://www.realrome.com/accommconvents.html

Suore Teatine

Address: Salita Monte del Gallo, 25
City:Rome

Location:	-
Telephone:	066374084

Suore Sacra Famiglia

Address: Viale Vaticano , 92
City:Rome

Location:	-
Telephone:	0639723797

Suore Pallottine

Address: Viale delle Mure Aureliane , 7
City:Rome

Location:	-
Telephone:	06635697

Suore Dorotee

Address: Via del Giannicolo, 4
City:Rome

Location:	-
Telephone:	0668803349

The Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement

Address: Via Monte del Gallo, 105
City:Rome

Location:	-
Telephone:	06630782

Domus Aurelia Suore Orsoline

Address: Via Aurelia, 218
City:Rome

Location:	-
Telephone:	06636784

Istituto Ravasco

Address: Via Pio VIII ,28
City:Rome

Location:	-
Telephone:	0639375805

For More Information

Convent lodging is starting to show up in some of the budget guidebooks such as Rick Steves’ books and the “Cheap Sleeps” series. The following sources cover convent lodging in more detail:

Bed and Blessings in Italy: A Guide to Convents and Monasteries Available for Overnight Lodging by June Walsh and Anne Walsh (Paulist Press, 1999, $16.95). This helpful and up-to-date book lists convents and monasteries from around Italy, and its nearly 40 listings for Rome are almost uniformly good.

Guide to Lodgings in Italy’s Monasteries by Eileen Barish. This guide lists more convents and monasteries in Italy than Bed and Blessings in Italy, but only a dozen in Rome. Still it is a worthwhile resource for those traveling to Rome.

Santa Susanna Church, the American Parish in Rome, Via XX Settembre, 15 (Mailing address: The Paulist Fathers, Via Antonio Salandra, 6, 00187 Rome, Italy; 011-390- 6488-2748). Santa Susanna also maintains a web site, www.santasusanna.org, that is helpful to visitors to Rome. Included are numerous recommendations for dining and convent accommodations.

Vicariato di Roma, Piazza San Giovanni 6, 00184, Rome, Italy. For a complete but unannotated list of all of the convents and monasteries that provide hospitality to travelers in Rome write (no e-mail) to Vicariato di Roma at the above address.

OTHER STAY IDEAS
From the Rick Steve's website
http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/graffiti23.html
apartment, sleeps 5, near Vatican, Rome
Sept. 2004, 1 weekApartment is located in a quiet building and neighborhood with easy access to Metro, bus, shopping and Vatican.

There is a wonderful large market for fresh foods and many small butchers, bakeries, etc. within 1 or 2 blocks of the apartment. There are larger stores for groceries and shopping within 4 blocks. The cafes and restaurants are very close by.The apartment was clean and comfortably furnished.The kitchen was very usable. Some of the inexpensive pans needed to be replaced but we ate several full meals in the kitchen.Best bonus was Mauro's service ... pickup/dropoff at the airport and intro tour of the neighborhood made our stay in Rome most enjoyable.Mauro spoke very good English, was very helpful and very easy to deal with.

We have rented apartments in Europe several times and this was definitely one of our best experiences. We would recommend this apartment ... especially the location and Mauro.
www.omtour.com
D from CA
USA Sun 11/14/2004

A recommendation for an apartment - This website/service recommended multiple times on Rick Steve's site
www.omtour.com

Apartment in Rome
Myself and 3 friends spent several nights in an apartment just north of Vatican City. (When I say just north, I mean that when we opened up the double doors in the living room, our view was the dome of St. Peter's basilica.) In addition to the view, the location was great, close to the metro, markets, several places to eat. Mauro Sachetta Cali, the agent who helped us arrange the stay, was very helpful, and picked us up at the airport upon our arrival. The apartment wasn't air conditioned, but this time of year, it wasn't a problem (there are also air conditioned apartments for those who want it). We were given a cell phone for our use during our stay; the space in the apartment was abundant (two bedrooms with much storage space, living room, kitchen, utility room). Any questions, just email. The website for the specific apartment we used is:
http://www.omtour.com/campanella/tommaso_camp.htm
Carolyn Golden <email>
St. Joe, MO USA Mon 06/28/2004

Affordable Apartment in Rome
My wife and I highly recommend the affordable Le Petit apartments for your stay in Rome. You can find them at www.venere.com (go under the 'residences' tab and scroll down to Le Petit). Everything was as stated in the property advertisement and more. Andreas was extremely helpful. After we were caught in traffic on the autostrada for over two hours and arrived very late in the evening (well past our stated arrival time), Andreas was right there to let us in and give us our key. He answered all of our questions and was available for consultation during our entire trip.

The property was terrific and very spacious. The room was very clean, the a/c worked as well as the stove and fridge. The apartment is located just around the corner from the Metro (a couple stops and you're right in the heart of Rome, about a 5-8 minute ride). We like to walk and experience the different areas. It took us about 20-25 minutes to walk to the Coliseum. A supermarket is located at the end of the block and there is a coffee shop around the corner that has inexpensive internet service. The neighborhood was safe and comfortable. We felt like locals, except for our bumbling of the Italian language.

You can't beat the price (75 euro/night). We searched all of the discount hotel websites and nothing came close to what we paid for this apartment.There is parking on the street, if you can find it. Also, there is a 24-hour parking garage on the next block over. They also offer a pick-up service from the airport for a fee.

Noise Factor: As with the majority of European hotels or apartments, you can hear your neighbors coming and going (thin walls and floors). It was minor here, but something many Americans are not accustomed to. We experienced no street noise at all.Give it a try, you'll be glad that you did. This is where we are staying on any future trips to Rome.
Joe Keithley <email>
Indianapolis, IN USA Thu 11/11/2004

Rome Apartment
We spent a week in Rome Nov 9 thru Nov 16 and we stayed in an apartment. I think it was my best idea for this trip. We used guestinitaly.com and it worked out really well. The apartment was exactly like the pictures. We had so much space. We spent 90 euros a night, it was north of the main tourist area but on a tram line. The locals were so friendly even though most did not speak English. We took day trips by train to Florence and Pompeii.
Jana <email>
Portland, OR USA 12/09/03

Rome and Venice apartments
I would like to recommend renting an apartment from Romanhomes.com and Dr. Abate, the owner. He does a fine and professional job. They also offer pick ups which was a big help finding our place. The apartment was quite large, clean and in a superb location. I have rented before with other companies but his selection was superior to the others. We also took his advice while in Venice for 4 nights, and rented from Venicerentals.com They had a very nice apartment waiting for us and since I mentioned it was our anniversary, they also had a nice bottle of prosecco with a card from the owners. We were very happy with both companies and comparing with the hotel prices, did very well for our money. Richard and Sue Peterson
Richard and Sue Peterson <email>
New York, NY USA 12/27/02

POMPEII DAY TRIP

2005-01-22T06:24:00.000-08:00

GETTING THERE AND BACK - TRAIN

The super fast train will take less than 2 hours to Naples then the only train to Pompei takes about 25 minutes

Get the train schedules between Rome and Naples here: http://www.trenitalia.com/home/e

n/index.htm

Get the schedule between Naples and Pompei Scavi here:
http://www.vesuviana.it/orario_ol/orari.asp

Get great directions on how to do this by train here:
http://www.twenj.com/itpompeii.htm

I checked the Trenitalia website and noticed there's two train stations in Naples. Napoli Centrale and Napoli P.za Garibaldi ?? They are both the same train station, just on different levels. You can take a train to either station, then follow the signs to the Circumvesuviana.

Take a train from Termini station to Napoli Centrale (about 2 hours, see prices above in "Train" section), then catch the local Circumvesuviana train to Pompei Scavi (about 30 minutes, € 1.60). Factoring in connections and mild disorientation in the chaos of the Naples station, the trip from Rome to the site takes about 3 1/2 hours one way, so get an early start!

The train out to Pompeii is via the Vesuviana (circular local train route around Vesuvius). This is accessed from the main station (stairs leading down to underground from main platform). Again this may appear a bit dodgy (plenty of graffitti and it passes through some tough suburbs) however we managed to travel around it on a daily basis without a single upset.

Yes, your ticket includes a reservations. There's no need to buy it here. You can buy it when you get to Rome. I usually wait to see what the weather will be. In case there's a rainy day. If for any reason you're confused by the automatic ticket machines, you can always buy your ticket from a human at the train station, or at any of the travel agencies in town.

ADMISSION
Single admission to Pompeii is 10 euros. The Circumvesuviana commuter train runs from Naples to Herculaneum and Pompeii and is an easy and inexpensive way to get to the ruins. The stop you want is Pompei Scavi. It takes about an hour to get to Pompeii and costs about $5.

TRIP PLAN IDEAS
We even stopped by the museum in Naples. (highly recommended) Home by 23:00 but glad we went.

Plan out your day so you're efficient in your wanderings about the site. Find the things you want to see and mark them on a map of the site before you go, or take some time to organize your day when you get there.

Catch the 6:45 train to Naples, you should be able to get to Pompeii by 9:47. You could spend from 10-3:30 or 4pm at the site, then catch the train back to Naples. Take a cab to the Archeological Museum (or metro) and spend 2 hours there. Then a traditional Neapolitan pizza, and snooze on a late train back to Rome. Remember that the Archeological museum is closed on Tuesday. Train to Naples costs about 22 euros one way. The Circumvesuviana from Naples to Pompei Scavi (Pompei Excavations) is about 3 euros.

Most of the treasures found in Pompeii were moved to the Naples Archeological Museum -- I highly recommend a visit there. It is a truly fabulous collection.

The Naples Museum was repeated OVER AGAIN how good it is

There is an official website -

http://www.pompeiisites.org/database/pompei/pompei2.nsf?OpenDatabase

(Isn't it cool how they have a mini-earthquake when the page opens!)

Here is page with the schedule.

http://www2.pompeiisites.org/database/pompei/pompei2.nsf/pagine/83F508F343460071C1256AB6002F40BB?OpenDocument

Here are the costs. A ticket from Rome to Naples, second class, on the Eurostar costs about 22 euros, one way. Second class is absolutely fine. The price includes a reserved seat. You can easily buy your ticket yourself from the automated machines in lobby of the main train station in Rome, Roma Termini.

The ticket to from Naples to Pompeii on the Circumvesuviana is about 3-4 euros one way.

Admission price to the site is 10 euros. If you take a tour with one of the local guides, it will cost at least another 8-10 euros.

Go to this site for very good and explicit directions on how to get to Pompei Scavi (the Pompeii Excavations) from Rome. (Only the prices are out of date.)

http://www.twenj.com/itpompeii.h

tm

In my opinion, you should catch a very early train to do this in a day. Either the 6:45 (ouch!) or the 7:45. Rome to Naples takes 2 hours. Naples to Pompeii is 40 minutes, plus the transfer time. If you've never been before, you might enjoy a tour, and then investigate on your own. The Villa of the Mysteries and the Amphitheater are both worth the walk!

There is a reasonable cafeteria and restaurant on site, at the far end of the Forum (though it isn't marked on the maps they give you.) Be sure to bring some water with you. You can buy a bottle outside the entrance.

Also, be watchful while at the train station in Naples. Watch your wallet. Do not allow anyone to offer to "help" you. Do not give your ticket to anyone but the conductor.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Highly recommended to get books about Pompeii before going and have a game plan when there

MORNING

8.30am - Porta Marina

Right. It’s 8.30am, the gates have opened and you’re off, up the slope to the Porta Marina. Though this was the main entrance, the one that led to the canal that led to the port, it’s surprisingly narrow for a town of 20,000 people. It must have been pandemonium when Vesuvius blew.

Don’t dawdle in the Forum: you’ll be returning here. What you’re doing now is legging it from the Billy-Bobs. Turn left, out at the top end and into the Vicolo delle Terme opposite. Here, you’re away from the monumental centre, and the hordes. Slow down and soak up the little streets. The paving stones are rutted with cart tracks. The buildings press in, not unlike contemporary Mediterranean backstreets. Listen and you’ll hear the echo of ancient Roman hubbub.

Pop into the Pansa House to grasp the layout of a typical Pompeiian house while you’re still ahead. Blind to the street, it is organised round an inner courtyard and a colonnaded garden. In Tuscany, it would rent for a fortune. Further along Via Consolare, the Baker’s House has an oven in which you could still cook pizza today.

Continue to the Porta Erco-lano and leave the town again (sounds odd, but stick with me here). At once, you’re among the grandiose tombs that rich Pompeiians erected just outside the city gates, to show travellers that status survived death. Keep walking, up to and through the arbour.

9.15am - Villa of Mysteries

This is a Pompeii must-see — a superbly preserved aristocratic farmstead built around gardens, arcades and courtyards. It had a full wine-making operation and a quite astounding fresco in the dining room. Ten scenes rich in red, ochre and black blanket three walls, and depict a woman being inducted into the Dionysiac cult — or perhaps preparing for marriage. Opinions vary. Whatever: they are alive, fleshy and intriguing.

Return not past the tombs but slightly left, onto the ridge running round the town walls. The views are splendid — over the whole of Pompeii and away to the bay or, looking north, to Vesuvius. Re-enter town through the Porta Vesuvio, past the water tower and down Vicolo dei Vettii to the House of Vettii. This rich merchant’s house is presently closed for renovation, but look through the grille and you’ll spot Priapus flaunting his vast appendage in the porch. To guard the house against the evil eye, they say.

Round the corner, dart into the Dioscuri House, one of Pompeii’s most luxurious, with particularly elaborate wall paintings. Then amble up Via de Mercurio to the Meleager House, before crossing the street.

10.15am - Apollo House

Out at the back, the garden is lovely, with great frescoes of Ulysses and Achilles and a little cubicle bedroom where the mosaic floor marks the exact position of the beds. Stay awhile. You’re still off the Billy-Bob beaten track, so it’s a good moment to relax. You’re wandering through the private life of a Roman family. It’s not every day you get to do that.

Back along Via de Mercurio, take in the House of the Small Fountain — thus named because, well, it has a small fountain. It’s exquisite, covered in glass-and-shell mosaics and flanked by the lovely landscape paintings that were all the rage in later Pompeii. Apart from anything else, they made small gardens look bigger.

Turn right at the Honorary Arch and immediately you’re at a thermopolium, or tavern takeaway. Sunk into the counter, you’ll see the jars from which they served up booze and hot food. A pity, you may be reflecting by now, that it’s not still open.

Turn around, pass back in front of the arch, and note the public fountains — and the stepping stones. Pompeii’s water supply was ace, but its water disposal less reliable. Streets were often awash; hence the need for the stones. Move off along the Via della Fortuna.

11am - The House of the Faun

So called because it contained Pompeii’s most famous statue, the dancing faun. The one that is now in the courtyard rain-basin is a copy: the original is in the Naples Archeological Museum, as are the grandiose mosaics found here, including one showing Alexander thrashing Darius, King of Persia, in battle. No matter. This was the largest, and perhaps most refined, house in town. As you explore, the luxury life of the leisured classes seems quite tangible, despite the passage of 20 centuries.

Continue along Via della Fortuna and turn right into Vicolo Storto. Pass another, bigger bakery, then go left and right into Vicolo del Lupanare. “Lupanare” means brothel, and the street name tells no lies.

11.30am - The Brothel

Apparently, Pompeii was pretty relaxed about sex, with rather more girls on the game than you might think necessary for a town of 20,000 people. Here, the ladies operated in cubicle bedrooms, above whose doors were pictures of what you might expect to find inside. They still leave little to the imagination. Naturally, this is a pulsating crowd-puller, so after the crush, reward yourself with an early lunch. Head along Vicolo del Balcone Pensile to the Forum and right to the cafeteria. Expect to pay £3 for a salad and £4 for lasagne.

AFTERNOON

12.30pm - The Forum

The morning was mainly residential and commercial. This afternoon you’ll tackle monumental Pompeii. You’ve been clever and eaten early, so you should be able to get to the Forum just as the guided groups are leaving for their lunch.

This was the centre of the city’s political, economic, religious and administrative life. Surrounded on three sides by two-storey arcades, it must have been grandiose. Today, it’s a tad disappointing, simply because there is too little left to enable you to “read” it properly. It’s like a magnificent set of teeth smashed in by a cricket ball.

More interesting are the buildings that flank it. Note the pair of body casts in the macellum meat market; and the bas-relief of a bull, being sacrificed in the nearby imperial temple.

Now cross the bottom of the Forum, in front of the admin buildings, and stare up at the Temple of Jupiter. Pompeii’s main temple may have taken a battering, but standing alone, set high and with Vesuvius glowering behind, it retains a self-important aura. You want to step lightly around old Jove.

Nip into the Basilica, where both business and justice were carried out in suitably epic surroundings, then into Apollo’s Temple, the oldest place of worship in town. Parts of it go back to the 6th century BC. By now, this kind of information might be slipping off you like mercury. Struggle against this. Anywhere else, any one of these buildings would be a source of wonder. That they are all together, in context, and have emerged from under seven metres of hard muck, is much more wonderful still.

Maintain your sense of awe by pausing to study the statues and sundial in Apollo’s place, the “weights and measures” checking system nearby, and then, in the grain market, some more plaster casts. The dog you’ll see here died in contorted agony because his master forgot to untie him. So much for man’s best friend. Now head along Via dell’ Abbondanza.

1pm - The Stabian Baths

Almost everything here is still in place: the grassed area and outdoor pool for sports; the changing room with stuccoed vaulted ceiling; the cold, warm and hot baths, complete with murals and painted domes. Plus the sophisticated heating systems. Turn right down Via Stabiana, to what had once been Pompeii’s town centre before becoming the theatre complex.

1.15pm - The Big and Little Theatres

Seating 5,000 and 1,300 respectively, and wonderfully preserved, these give a good idea of just how seriously Pompeiians took their entertainment. Round the corner, meanwhile, the Temple of Isis is simply the best-preserved Isaic temple in the Roman world. The Egyptian cult’s promise of salvation after death had a powerful grip on Pompeii’s popular mind — and, weirdly, the temple had not lost its power when unearthed in 1760. The discovery coincided with a Freemason-fuelled fad for Egyptianism, so that the temple became the 18th-century Pompeiian must-see. Mozart copied it for the set of The Magic Flute, when it premiered in 1791.

Along the Vicolo del Menandro, the Menander House is another Pompeiian glory, but has eccentric opening times (2-3pm, weekends only: don’t ask me why). So move across to the Ceii House and in through the plaster cast of the original wooden door. The wall-paintings here are sumptuous — fighting animals, Nile landscapes — but may leave you wondering, once again, how Pompeiians lived with them. They do rather dominate a room.

Move back up to Via dell’ Abbondanza, Pompeii’s main street. Edged by shops and workshops, bars and houses, it is long, straight and relatively wide. It bustles still — though the much-vaunted wall inscriptions (electoral propaganda, adverts, graffiti) are pretty poorly preserved.

Move along to the Octavius Quartus house — a belter, with elaborate gardens that you’d never have guessed were here. The summer terrace has frescoes of Pyramus, Thisbe and Narcissus. Now, turn down Vicolo dell’Anfiteatro.

1.45pm - The Amphitheatre

One of the most complete in existence, this is exactly as a Roman amphitheatre should be: epic, overwhelming and a fitting setting for the tearing apart of men and animals. Next door is the huge, colonnaded sports arena where young men practised discus-throwing and wrestling. It doubled as a slave market and barracks for gladiators, one of whom scrawled on the wall: “I was here and women were unable to resist me, except for just a few.” Muscle men haven’t much changed.

Take Via della Palestra, then turn left into Vicolo dei Fuggiaschi to the Fugitives’ Garden. It is now a vineyard — but notable for the glass case along the back wall. Here are 13 plaster casts, members of three families lying exactly where they were when overcome by heat and ash as they tried to flee the eruption.

But you’re almost through. Make your way back towards the exit, ambling slowly and visiting anything else you fancy on the way. There’s a vast amount you haven’t seen, and wandering haphazardly is a good way to finish.

2.30pm - The Temple of Venus

You can’t avoid it because it’s the way out. The temple is largely wrecked, however, and need not detain you as you hotfoot it for the exit — and a glass of fresh orange juice from the kiosks beyond. You deserve nothing less.

LEARNING ABOUT POMPEII

ALTERNATIVE IDEA
A: Most people like Ercolano better.

1. It is much smaller than Pompei

2. It is much better preserved, intact - you don't have to use much imagination here.

3. Its only 15 minutes from Napoli Centrale.

4. Not crowded.

Sienna Hotels

2005-01-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

LIST OF SIENNA HOTELS FROM AN EX-PAT
I'm from Siena and I can forward you few addresses about

Hotels where you can stay with you Family:

Piccolo Hotel Oliveta

www.oliveta.com

e-mail: mail@oliveta.com

Hotel Santa Caterina

www.hscsiena.it

e-mail: info@hscsiena.it

Hotel Minerva

www.sienanet.it/minerva

e-mail: minerva@sienanet.it

Hotel Duomo

www.hotelduomo.it

e-mail: hduomo@comune.siena.it

Hotel Garden

www.gardenhotel.it

e-mail: info@gardenhotel.it

Holidaysiena

www.holidaysiena.it

e-mail : info@holidaysiena.it

We just returned for Italy with our two small children in tow. During our trip we had an opportunity to stay two nights in this wonderful lodging. The rooms were large and very clean. The people were so friendly and courteous! The amenities are first rate, We stayed there at the end of a two week trip with a two year old and a one year old. You can imagine how pleased we were to find such a lovely place and to be served by such lovely people!! When I return to this area I won’t even bother to look anywhere else.

Don’t miss the wine cellar.. and order a snack of salami, cheese, tomatoes…..mmmmm. Truly magnificent!

This hotel is easy to find once you find the train station! One problem we had was identifying the appropriate sign pointing the way. The symbol for the station is a 3D image of a modern train coming towards you. The signs aren’t large and this symbol just didn’t click for us. Once we figured it out we were able to locate the hotel

This was the highlight of our trip. The staff was unbelievably accomodating and friendly. We stayed in their big suite with the fireplace. It was perfect for our honeymoon. The breakfast was the best hotel breakfast we had in all 5 of the hotels we stayed at in Italy. An assortment of fresh, warm baked breads, tasty eggs, fresh fruits, and the best blood orange juice. The restaurant is very good (While it is a little pricey, I don't know what that first reviewer was talking about!). For really great food, go into Torrita di Siena and eat at Piccolo's. It was one of our favorite places in all of Italy! I would also highly recommend having a car. We drove to close by Montelcino and Montepulciano and had a lot of fun. I couldn't imagine a better place to stay in Tuscany. It was beautiful, quiet, and romantic.

We have been to Tuscany a year ago in a place called "Castellino Bucine" that was extremely nice. We went to all the nice places from there like Siena, Perugia, Florence, Arezzo. Unfortunately I don't remember the website but I guess you'd find it.

Renting a Car in Italy

2005-01-01T15:52:00.000-08:00

Some Good sites to visit about renting cars

For a list of car rental companies, see our European Car Rental Tips.

Consolidators
Auto Europe, www.autoeurope.com, 888-223-5555
Europcar, www.europcar.com, 877-940-6900

Mapping the trip
Drivers can plan their route at www.viamichelin.com or www.maporama.com.

tipS
Arrange to pick up your rental car the morning you leave the first city on your driving itinerary, and to drop it off as soon as you pull into your final destination.

Remind the company that you've already paid. Many times, the car pick up offices in Europe often overlook the fact that your credit card was already charged for the rental cost, and they try to double-charge you.

Inspect the car before driving away. If the agency doesn't know that something is wrong with the car you rented when you drive it off, it'll assume that you broke the car and charge you accordingly. If the car's condition doesn't match the inspection form that they want you to sign, point out the discrepancy.

Check for repair and safety equipment. Check the trunk for a jack, inflated spare, snow chains (for winter driving), and a hazard triangle (most countries require that you hang this on your trunk if you're broken down on the side of the road). Check the glove compartment for a parking disc. (Ask the agency about

From Rick Steves

Cars are cheapest when rented by the week with unlimited mileage (though there are a few good three-day deals) through your travel agent in the U.S. Cars are ridiculously expensive to rent by the day. The various rail & drive passes are a good deal for travelers who want just a few days of car use, since they basically rent cars one day at a time at one-seventh of the cheap weekly rate.

To really compare car costs with train costs, add up these weekly expenses:

Ford Fiesta with unlimited mileage ($300/week);
Local taxes, which are clear and consistent with each country, generally 18% to 25% (less in Spain, Germany, Ireland, and Luxembourg, and only 8% in Switzerland — but Swiss rental rates are that much higher);
CDW insurance supplement (about 25% or $10 - 25/day, mandatory for those under 25);
Gas ($90 a week — about 700 miles at $4/gallon and 30 mpg);
Tolls for super freeways in France and Italy ($5-7/hour), $30 for the highway decal as you enter Switzerland, $10 for Austria, and $3 in the Czech Republic;
Parking ($20 a day, only in big cities); theft insurance in Italy ($12-15/day).

Then subtract the money you’ll save using the car to get to cheaper accommodations in the countryside.

When you rent a car, you are generally liable for the entire value of that car. For peace of mind, purchase a collision damage waiver (CDW) supplement, which covers the car (usually with a deductible of a few hundred dollars; the undercarriage, roof, tires, and windshield are usually not covered). CDW costs from $10 to $25 a day, depending on the country, the car, and the company. Figure roughly 25 percent extra. Travel Guard sells CDW at a much better rate of $7 a day; it's valid throughout Europe, but some car rental companies in the Republic of Ireland and Italy refuse to honor it (www.travelguard.com, tel. 800/826-4919).

Your American driver’s license is all you need in most European countries. While not required, an International Driver's License is recommended in Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, and Eastern Europe. They are easy to get from AAA ($15 for AAA members, $20 for non-members). They provide a translation for your American license, making it easier for the cop to write out the ticket.

While age restrictions vary from country to country and company to company, people between 25 and 75 should have no trouble renting a car. Those older or younger than that will find some countries have less stringent age restrictions (e.g. 19 years is old enough in Germany).

Cars come with the necessary insurance and paperwork to cross all borders within western Europe. Before cruising the expressways of Austria, Switzerland, or the Czech Republic, you’ll need to buy a special tax stamp at a local tobacco shop (or pay a special fine). Ask for specific limitations if you plan to drive through Eastern Europe. Some rental companies allow you to take your car from England to the Continent or to Ireland, but the high cost of ferry tickets makes renting two separate cars a better deal (two single weeks of rental usually cost the same as two weeks in a row). You can normally pick up and drop off a car at any of your rental company’s offices in one country. There is usually about a $200 fee to drop in another country (with some happy/outrageous exceptions). Some companies charge 10 - 15% for airport pick-ups.

http://www.rudymaxa.com/article.php?ArticleID=99
THE PLAYERS
Generally, renting through big-name companies is the most expensive way to go. Compare prices by also checking out consolidators -- companies that negotiate volume discounts with rental car companies, such as National and Hertz -- that can sometimes pass savings of 30 percent or more on to consumers.

Other advantages to renting through a consolidator include more cars to choose from since the fleet is bigger; more locations for pickup and drop-off; unrestricted driving in high- risk countries like Italy and Ireland (Mercedes and other luxury cars excluded); and greater flexibility in insurance coverage and age restrictions. You can even rent specialty vehicles such as luxury cars, SUVs, and motorhomes. EuroDrive and AutoEurope both offer affordable cell phone rental and infant seats.

Where to initiate rental

To get your best deal, book your rental from the US before leaving for Europe.

Consolidators such as AutoEurope and EuroCar allow you to lock in a price and cancel without penalty 24 hours before pickup. To guarantee your rental, most consolidators require a deposit equivalent to 30 to 50 percent of the rental fee. Once you've put down a deposit, and to avoid confusion when you're thousands of miles from home, make sure you get confirmation in writing. Carry the document with you when you claim your car.

What to Rent
If you can drive a stick, you'll save 30 to 40 percent. The other advantage to renting a car with a manual transmission is better gas mileage and better handling. On winding mountain roads, you'll be thankful when your car dutifully climbs the mountain -- leaving the automatics grinding in its wake.

When and where to pick up your wheels

Rates are cheapest when you observe the following:
- Pick up and return your rental on weekends.
- The longer the length of the rental, the cheaper the rate.
- Try to avoid renting in Italy, Austria, or Eastern Europe.
- Pickup and return to the airport can be more costly than pickup and return to other locations (this is not always the case, so ask).
- Where it's available, rent a diesel because you'll pay less for fuel.

Protecting your Rental
Premium cards -- gold and platinum versions of VISA, Mastercard, and American Express -- are your best bets. Check your cardholder's agreement before you book to see what countries might be excluded from coverage with the card you carry. If you can't find that small-type agreement you received when you first got your credit or charge card, request a copy and carry it with you, especially if you'll be traveling in Ireland, Italy, or Eastern Europe.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

Is there a surcharge for additional drivers?

- Do you receive unlimited mileage?

- Is it advantageous to return your vehicle with a full tank of gas?

- Does your rental agreement exclude driving in certain countries (of the former USSR, say, and Eastern Europe, Turkey, Italy or Ireland)?

- Does the rental company guarantee you'll receive the car of your choice? If not, will the cost of the rental be adjusted?

- If you opt for insurance coverage through your credit card company, will a hold be placed on your card to insure you can pay should damage to the vehicle occur? Some companies will put the entire cost of a car on a credit card at the time of rental, which means your card might be rejected as being "over limit" the next time you try to use it.

Small Towns - Italy

2004-10-23T04:03:00.000-07:00

Villas & Apartments in Tuscany and Umbria
If you are looking to rent a flat or a villa in Tuscany or Umbria, try going through Italian Town and Country. They are a small company run by very kind folks. Here is the link: http://www.italiantownandcountry.com/
Tina
USA 03/06/03

AT SOME POINT WE WANT TO SAY 2-3 days in a SMALL TOWN

Here are some festivals

Emilia Romagna
Brisighella: Various Medieval Feasts and Pageants (last 10 days of July).

Calabria
Laureana di Borrello: Madonna del Carmine Festivities (third Sunday in July).

Villa Santa Maria, in the Marches; a community of cuisine, birthplace of the cooking school which each October organizes a Mega-feast which lasts three days long.

List of Hill Towns
http://www.initaly.com/regions/hilltowns/fillers.htm

Hill Towns in The Marches
San Leo is such an utterly perfect medieval village that it is considered by many to be Italy's most exemplary hill town. Do visit the impressive castle, but stroll through the pristine streets as well.

Hill Towns in Umbria
Gubbio
Gubbio is one of the most spectacular hill towns in Italy, because its layout affords so many breathtaking views straight out across the valley, and also because it numbers so many imposing buildings. Most of the town was rebuilt in the 11th century, and it retains the feel of a prosperous medieval "metropolis." There's also one of the largest Roman theatres still in
existence.

Hill Towns in Liguria
DolceacquaTaggia is surrounded by olive groves and flower fields. It boasts a beautiful arched medieval bridge, a porticoed main street, an important Dominican monastery and two fine churches

Spello is off limits to all cars, which makes strolling through its hopelessly charming streets even more enjoyable. This town has it all: fairy-tale ramparts, pristine belltowers, and lovely churches with masterpieces by the likes of Pinturicchio and Perugino.

RICK STEVES SMALL TOWNS
http://www.ricksteves.com/news/0109/hilltowns.htm

MORE VENICE

2004-10-23T03:38:00.000-07:00

Town museums in Venice

Venice
There's no escaping it, Venice is unique. A pedestrian city on a very human scale, cars are almost nonexistent and beguiling narrow paths take the place of ugly city roads. The harmonious architecture seems to have sprung uniformly from somewhere between the 12th and 16th centuries and its secretive walls and enticing balconies sparkle with flashes of water glimpsed through cracks and windows. Dark paths suddenly emerge into the clear, bright daylight of a church-filled square or cross the city's myriad of canals by way of numerous and wonderful little bridges.

The atmosphere is magical, and inexplicably festive. The city is built on 117 small islands and is linked to the mainland service town of Mestre by a road and rail causeway. The Grand Canal winds itself around the city, emerging at the unforgettable vista of Piazza San Marco. The Bridge of Sighs links the palace to the gloomy old prisons and the bobbing gondolas are overlooked by the stunning Santa Maria della Salute, San Giorgio Maggiore and del Redentore churches. Whatever you do in Venice, you’re sure to fall in love with it.

http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgresults.cfm?destination=venice@163&cur_section=sig&showover=yes
Overview

Sooner or later you will become lost in Venice, a city of more than 100 separate islands divided by roughly 150 canals and crossed by 400 bridges. Its narrow and closed streetscapes make it difficult to navigate. To help, signs all over town indicate the way to the train station, the Rialto Bridge, and Piazza San Marco, the heart of the city.

Central Venice is divided into six neighborhoods, or sestieri (San Marco, Castello, Dorsoduro, Cannaregio, San Polo, and Santa Croce). Addresses consist of the name of the sestiere and a number, though the numbers don't go in any sequential order, so San Marco 3672 and 3673 might well be several streets apart. When necessary, addresses give the nearest calle (street), campo (field -- a piazza in any other Italian town), or bridge. If a street runs alongside a canal, it is a riva or fondamenta, and a street with shops is often called a ruga or salizzada.

You walk everywhere in Venice, and where you cannot walk you go by water. While the city has hundreds of bridges, the Grand Canal can only be crossed on foot at three points: Ponte degli Scalzi, near the train station (Ferrovia); Ponte di Rialto, at the Rialto; and at Ponte dell'Accademia. As an alternative, take the traghetti, essentially gondolas that ferry across the canal. The vaporetti (water buses) that circulate through the city on set routes are best used to cover long distances.

TOP ATTRACTIONS - FODOR'S USER RATINGS

Doge's Palace Rising above the Piazzetta San Marco
Rialto Bridge. a stone bridge across the Grand Canal
St. Rocco's elegant example of Venetian Renaissance architecture - contents are even more stunning
St. Marks
Campanile Bell Tower

KIDS STUFF IN VENICE - IDEAS ON TRIP ADVISOR

A few further thoughts on amusing the kids: The Doges Palace has a great collection of weapons from the time when Venice was all powerful. From the palace you can cross the bridge of Sighs and go down into the prison cells. Opposite, in Piazza San Marco is the Campanile tower, take the lift to the top and enjoy the view over all of Venice. There is also the scala del bovolo, an external stone staircase that is worth a look.

Glass blowing in the many factories on Murano. This is fascinating if for the first time though be warned of the hard selling you will experience and which can be VERY annoying

feeding the pigeons in St Mark's Square ........ while you sit and have an espresso! Climb the Campanile at sunset. Stroll along the Zattere and have an ice cream. I think it is Nico's on the Zattere, renowned for the best gelati in Venice.

You should take the Secret Itinerary Tour at the Doges Palace (this has to be booked in advance. Your hotel can do it)/ You get to see the dungeons, hear the story of Casanova's escape.

Nico's on the Zattere, renowned for the best gelati in Venice.

Venice

2004-10-23T03:19:00.000-07:00

TRAVEL PLANNING NOTES
VENICE

Let us suggest: it’s easy to get lost and tired walking around Venice. Try buying a travel card (different solutions are available) and make the most of the public water buses (vaporetti) to get around. The water buses offer an easy and inexpensive way to discover all the islands and the host of interesting treasures they withhold!

As the Ancient Roman Empire disintegrated, the people fled the rampages of the roving northern tribes (Goths, Visigoths, Vandals and Huns, to name a few) to islands of the Lagoon. They came to an island, went down a small canal (rio, pl. rii), and around a field (campo, pl. campi) they set the focal points of their lives: church (chiesa) and home (casa or ca'). They named the campi after the saints commemorated in their churches and built their neighborhoods around the campo. They placed a cistern/well (pozzo) in the middle which was filled by the rainwater from the roofs of the surrounding houses. From earth to heaven (in building of churches), they grew, and from heaven to earth (from the rains), they were sustained.

The basic structural unit of Venice has a campo with pozzo, a chiesa fronting the campo and shops (bottega) below homes (ca'). Prime examples are the Campi of S. Barnaba, I Frari, and SS. Giovanni e Paolo as well as the obvious example of the one Piazza in Venice, the Piazza S. Marco. There are more than 100 named campi spread more or less uniformly across Venice (see the map). Over two thirds of them are named after the patron saints of current or former parishes. Where the church no longer exists, the campo is still named after the saint, such as Campo S. Margherita where the church has become a movie theater and the three small campi you walk through in quick succession as you walk toward S. Giacomo dell' Orio from the Campo di Frari: S. Stin, S. Agostin and S. Baldo.

HOTELS
(Dorsoduro and San Polo, on the less touristed side of the Grand Canal, are good bets during high season. Cannaregio has even more of a neighborhood feel, especially near the Strada Nova and Rialto Bridge.)

TIP: Sleep in the city of Venice if you can afford to do so--or even if you can't. During high season and on weekends, the tourist population shrinks noticeably after the daytrippers have gone home. This makes late evening and early morning the best time to enjoy Venice without the crowds.

Another option is to stay on the mainland. Padua is a university city that's just half an hour from Venice by train. Avoid Mestre, Venice's modern suburb at the foot of the causeway, unless you're willing to settle for convenience over charm.

LOOKS TO BE A GOOD HOTEL WEBSITE
http://www.venere.com

Hotel Montecarlo
Triple rooms are available at this Best Western affiliate, which is only 50 meters (or about half the length of a football field) from the Piazza San Marco.

Hotel Ca' Dogaressa
Cannaregio 1018 - 30121 Venice
Giampaolo e Graziella Antenori will be happy to welcome you to Ca' Dogaressa, which they have just opened in one of the most interesting and characteristic areas of Venice. This small, family-run hotel offers a unique combination of elegance, style and friendliness. The rooms capture the essence of 18TH century Venice, while offering present-day visitors the comfort and convenience they have come to expect. However long you decide to stay in Venice, you will be sure to feel at home at Ca' Dogaressa.

Hotel Sant'Elena Users rating: (185 Review)
Calle Buccari 10 - 30132 Venice

We stayed in this hotel for 3 nights with 3 children. The location was excellent and we enjoyed a lovely view of sun setting behind St.Marco. We had very noisy children but did not have to worry about disturbing the neighours because the walls are very sturdy. We all enjoyed surrounding the park area after a busy day sightseeing. We highly recommend this hotel and neighourhood.

Italy

2004-10-18T18:21:00.000-07:00

Italy

10/18

Still working on my preliminary itinerary.

7/16/2005 Sat Fly Out
1 7/17/2005 Sun Rome
2 7/18/2005 Mon Rome
3 7/19/2005 Tue Pompeii
4 7/20/2005 Wed Rome
5 7/21/2005 Thur Florence
6 7/22/2005 Friday Florence
7 7/23/2005 Sat Florence
8 7/24/2005 Sun Rimini
9 7/25/2005 Mon Venice
10 7/26/2005 Tue Venice
11 7/27/2005 Wednesday Rome/Fly Out

What I want to do is include 2-3 days of time just to hang out in some small/medium size town.
Consider San Arch Angelo but right now thinking more about Bologna area towns.

Would consider expanding time to 12-13 total days. Drop 1 day from Florence. Maybe look to fly out of Venice.