"Great People, Great Trip" Italy by Radiomom

Italy Travel Guide: 83,866 reviews and 172,861 photos

Time to treat ourselves. Our 25th Wedding Anniversary. I haven't been "off" from work for more than 2 weeks since my son was born, and he's now 20! For about fifteen minutes we considered taking a Rick Steves' "Best of Italy" tour -- but maybe we wanted one more night in Venice, and one more in Florence, and let's drop Cinque Terre for the Amalfi Coast and more time in wine country, and....Obviously, we were meant to do this trip independently. And it worked. Nearly three weeks. A total disconnect from home and work with immersion in an ancient country with a different lifestyle. There was so much to tell - don't overlook the travelogues: "Italy on our Own," and "Daytrip to Villa D'Este"

Pros and Cons

Pros:The people are warm and friendly, the food is fantastic, and it is easy to get around.
Cons:We have to take a transAtlantic flight to get there.
In a nutshell:Once you visit Italy, you may not want to plan a trip elsewhere!

Last visit to Italy: May 2001
Intro Updated Feb 15, 2005
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Reviews (26)

View looking "to the right" from our window - Italy

In Venice -- a Grand Canal View Hotels (5)

This tiny family run hotel is very near the Rialto Bridge. We had a very large double room with a view of the Grand... more travel advice

Capri Tour! Tourist Traps (2)

Capri Tour! (accent on both syllables is the same--we Americans say it wrong: CuhPREE. It should be short and quick... more travel advice

"No Momma, that's not what I meant..." - Italy

"No Momma, that's not what I meant..." Tourist Traps (2)

Hey! Get your picture taken with a Gladiator! Guess this Russell Crowe wanna-be was busy talking to his agent maybe? (Or... more travel advice

Ride Vaporetto #1 Favorites (10)

Actually it is likely you will on your way to your hotel in Venice. We arrived in time for sunset. WoW. more travel advice

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (48)

BruceDunning Aug 15, 2009 at 11:42 AM Report Abuse

Tivoli surely is the style of life in that time to savor. I have been twice and plan again soon. Thank for the tour.
MissyWQ Aug 24, 2007 at 7:37 AM Report Abuse

Tivoli means "I lov it." Spelled backwards. Wish I could visit Rome. I love Italy - Santa Barbara is like Italy because of it's architechure and weather.
nicolaitan Feb 25, 2006 at 6:51 PM Report Abuse

terrific page on italy -always pleased to read about good restaurants.
Callavetta May 13, 2005 at 1:06 PM Report Abuse

I think I'd like to eat with YOU in Italy! Well done! Don't you just love those long late dinners that finish with grappa?
mirjana51 Mar 23, 2005 at 3:54 AM Report Abuse

You are WELCOME in Ohrid , Diane. :) Wonderful Italy page ! I am going at Verona Vt meeting in May .
mauro_pd Oct 22, 2004 at 3:03 PM Report Abuse

well, u still have bergamo on the list but it seems to me u got a lot out of ur italy trip ! :-)
filipdebont Oct 10, 2004 at 12:37 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for the nice comments; Nice Italy page with interesting tips.
JetlagCity Oct 8, 2004 at 7:35 PM Report Abuse

Terrific shot of that store in "What Not to Wear" (Venice)! This is a fantastic page from top to bottom - you take great pictures, thanks for sharing them!
barrikello Aug 7, 2004 at 6:29 PM Report Abuse

Very nice! you caught the best of italy.
deecat Mar 3, 2004 at 6:39 PM Report Abuse

Diane, such a joy to read your impressions of Italy, since I love it so much. Great Restaurant and hotel tips. Your text is intelligent, interesting, honest, and informative. Thanks.