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Italy

ROME

Places to See:

The Colosseum: The world famous profile of the Colosseum remains dramatic, but you need to tour inside for a revealing look into its history. The arena was designed to hold more than fifty thousand spectators while the lions and gladiators did their work. The area beneath the floor of the Colosseum is a complex of cells, holding areas and paths that were designed to allow animals, gladiators and human sacrifices access to the arena, all without mixing together.

The Roman and Imperial Forums Area: The ruins of the Forums mark the historical center of the city and contain the remnants of the seats of power of ancient Rome. Excavations continue as archaeologists labor to expose the area's long hidden secrets. There are numerous sites to examine, but the best include the Forum of Caesar, the Temple of Peace (Forum of Vespasian) and the Forum of Trajan (the best preserved of all of the forums). For more information follow this link http://www.capitolium.org/english.htm If you have the chance, take a look at the Forum area at night when it is illuminated. Head to the Piazza Venezia, and on the right side of the Monument Vittorio Emanuele II take the Cordonatta (steps) up to the top.

The Pantheon: The Temple of the Pantheon is one of the true glories of ancient Rome. One of the best preserved sites in the city, the Pantheon is located where Agrippa had located an earlier tribute to the Roman Gods. The Emperor Hadrian commissioned the spectacular rotunda and the marvelous dome that you can see today.

Castel Sant'Angelo (Hadrian's Mausoleum): Castel Sant Angelo offers panoramic views along the Tiber and is one of Rome's outstanding architectural monuments. The building has served Roman emperors, several popes (it is still connected to the Vatican by a passageway) and as a bulwark of the defensive wall that once surrounded Rome.

Vatican: We recommend a visit to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica as one of the highlights of a trip to Rome. St. Peter's Basilica - St. Peter's is the largest Catholic church in the world. Its design and architecture are stunning and its interior is rich and impressive.If you are a follower of Catholic Church history, you might be interested in seeing the excavations beneath the Basilica. These tours require advanced reservations. The Vatican Museums - The Vatican Museums include significant art collections and interesting cultural museums. Several tours are offered and all include a visit to the Sistine Chapel. Be sure to visit the Vatican Museums web site before your visit in order to prioritize what you want to see during your time in the Vatican. The Sistine Chapel - Various portions of the Chapel's frescos were created by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Perugino, and others: the Sistine Chapel is extraordinary. Raphael's Rooms- Created by Raphael and his school of artists, the images in these four rooms are remarkable. Pinacoteca (the Vatican Art Gallery)- Giotto, Melozzo, Rafaello, and Leonardo da Vinci are just a few of the artists' paintings and sculptures you will recognize. The Vatican Gardens - The Vatican Gardens are extensive, given the size of the Vatican. Fountains abound and the combination of statues, fountains and gardens present a beautiful scene. A guided tour of the gardens is offered every day at 10 am, except Wednesdays and Sundays. Tickets must be reserved in advance by fax at (39) 06698-85100. Bookings are valid only if you receive a fax confirmation.

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) - This world famous fountain, at the front of the Palazzo Poli, is celebrated for its beauty and size. An enormous fountain, the Trevi Fountain's construction was started by Salvi (with elements contributed by Bernini) and finished after his death by Pannini. This is the fountain featured in the memorable movies "Three Coins in the Fountain" and Fellini's "La Dolce Vita". A legend associated with the fountain is that if you toss a coin into its waters over your shoulder while facing backwards, you will be guaranteed to return to Rome.

Piazza Navona - Originally the site of the Circus Domitian, this lovely oblong piazza is surrounded by fine historic buildings and provides some of the Eternal City's best fountains, including Bernini's Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers). This is one of the great spots in Rome. The piazza is very popular and good-quality cafes are not hard to find.

Piazza di Spagna - Perhaps the most popular meeting place in Rome, the Piazza di Spagna (named after the Spanish Embassy to the Vatican) includes the famous Spanish Steps (the Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti), which lead from the piazza to the church Trinità dei Monte. It is a staple for visitors to be photographed on the Spanish Steps.

Galleria Borghese (Villa Borghese)- The Borghese Gallery (and museum), housed in the Villa Borghese, is one of the most popular attractions in Rome. Begun in the 17th century by Cardinal Scipione, a nephew of Pope Paul V, the collection benefited from his relationship with the Papacy (e.g. Raphael's "The Deposition', was originally owned of the Catholic Church). The Borghese's amazing collection of art is well worth a visit. Many believe that its sculptures, which include works by Bernini and Canova, are the hallmark of the collection. Reservations are required and can be made online. http://www.galleriaborghese.it/borghese/en/einfo.htm

Catacombs of Saint Callixtus - Although touring catacombs is not for everyone, these are considered the best and are important to those interested in the early history of Christians in Rome. For information on visiting, see this site.

Baths of Caracalla - Caracalla contains the most impressive and largest of the famous Roman Baths. The baths were a custom among the early Romans, as most residences lacked running water.

When you are tired of monuments, snoop out some of the city's neighborhoods or experience the city's wide variety of shopping. Consider a walk in Trastevere with its many craft shops, restaurants and famous Sunday Flea Market. If you are interested in some fun shopping, stroll along the Via Frattina, Via Borgognona, or Via dei Condotti between the Piazza di Spagna and Via del Corso.

Places to Stay:

Fortyseven Hotel Rome - http://www.fortysevenhotel.com/

Hotel Art - http://www.hotelart.it/english/home.html

Residenza Cellini - http://www.residenzacellini.it/

Places to Eat:

La Pergola - Via Cadlolo 101 (In the Cavalieri Hilton, In Monte Mario). Tues-Sat 7:30pm-midnight. Reservations Required. Phone 06-35092152

Il Convivio - http://www.ilconviviotroiani.com/eng/index.html Vicolo dei Soldati 31 (Near Piazza Navona & the Pantheon). Tues-Sat 8-11pm. Reservations Required. Phone: 06-6869432

Al Ceppo - http://www.ristorantealceppo.it/ Via Panama 2 (2 blocks from the Villa Borghese, near Piazza Ungheria). Tues-Sun 12:30-3pm and 8-11pm. Phone: 06-8419696

La Terrazza - Via Ludovisi 49 ( In the Hotel Eden, Near Via Veneto & Piazza Barberini) Daily 12:30-2:30pm and 7:30-10:30pm. Phone: 06-478121 Ristorante del Pallaro - Largo del Pallaro 15 (Near Campo De' Fiori & the Jewish Ghetto) Tues-Sun noon-3:30pm and 7pm-12:30am. Phone: 06-68801488.

FLORENCE

Places to See:

The Piazza del Duomo Piazza San Giovanni - The Piazza San Giovanni and the adjacent Piazza del Duomo provide famous sights, including the Baptistery, the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, the campanile known as Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Duomo itself (the Cattedrale di San Maria del Fiore). The Duomo is considered an architectural masterpiece and is a sight to behold. The cathedral is impressive due to its size and the incredible dimensions of its amazing dome. If you want to see the original art from the Duomo, it is on display at the Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo. Hours of operation for the Duomo are: Monday through Wednesday 10:00 AM – 5:00PM. Closes early on Thursdays (2:30PM) and Saturdays (4:45PM). Open Sunday from 1:30PM to 4:45PM.

The Museo - The Duomo Museum is a knockout and includes an unfinished pieta by Michelangelo (the Pieta in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican is acknowledged to be Michelanglo’s finest). Ghiberti’s original bronze panels for the Baptistery Doors and works by Donatello, including several magnificent statues, are on display in the Museo. Hours of operation are: Monday through Saturday 9:00AM to 6:00PM and later in peak tourist season. Closed Sunday afternoon. Last admission 40 minutes before closing.

The Baptistery - The Baptistery, one of the oldest buildings in Florence, is at the front of the Duomo. It is known for Ghiberti's bronze door panels (see the originals in the Museo). In addition, the interior of this octagonal building is decorated with impressive mosaics and an extraordinary inlaid marble floor.

Uffizi Gallery - The Uffizi Gallery is one of the world’s great art museums. You will find works by Botticelli, Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian, as well as works by German, Dutch and French masters. If you want to see the Uffizi, you need to buy your tickets ahead or wait in long lines and possibly be denied entrance. There are a number of online services that can be used to order tickets but you might want to try the museum's official website. http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/english/musei/uffizi/

Hours of operation: Tuesday through Sunday 8:15AM to 4:50 PM (tickets usually are not sold during the last hour). Closed Monday and Holidays.

Galleria Dell'Accademia - This small museum is one of the most crowded in Florence due to the world’s fascination with Michelangelo’s sculpture of David. The remainder of the Galleria is focused on Florentine arts and artists. You need to reserve your tickets in advance and we suggest you visit the museum's official website for information on tickets and the museum. http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/english/musei/accademia/ Hours of operation: Tuesday through Sunday 8:15AM to 6:50PM (no ticket sales last hour) Closed Mondays and some holidays.

Palazzo Pitti - Formerly the residence of the grand dukes of Tuscany, the King of Italy and home of the Medici's, the Palazzo is furnished with treasures from the ages and features several museums/galleries, including: Gallery of Modern Art, Costume Gallery, Museo degle Argenti (the Medici Treasury). The Palatine Gallery, which includes works by Raphael, Reubens Titian and sculptures by Canova. The Boboli Gardens, originally designed by the Medici's, are one of the earliest examples of formal Italian Gardens. Hours of operation: During summer from 08:15 to sunset Closed first and last Mondays of the month and some holidays. The Palazzo is on the south side of the Arno, so a visit provides a good opportunity to combine it with a look at the Ponte Vecchio.

Ponte Vecchio - The Ponte Vecchio is the best known of Florence’s many bridges across the River Arno. The bridge was built in the fourteenth century has been filled with the shops of goldsmiths and jewelers since the early sixteenth century. Some of Italy’s finest jewelry can be found here.

Places to Stay:

Westin Excelsior, Florence - http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=43&EM=aa_Google_westin_excelsior_florence_122705

Hotel Caravaggio - http://www.caravaggio.hotelinfirenze.com/

Hotel Davanzati - http://www.hoteldavanzati.it/index.php?lang=eng

Places to Eat:

Cibrèo – Via dei Macci, 118r. Lunch: 12:50p-2:30p Tu-Sa, Dinner: 7:30p-11p Tu-Sa. Phone : +39 55 234 1100

Rossini - http://www.ristoranterossini.it/common/en/pages/1_chisiamo.htm Trattoria Ruggero - Via Senese, 89 (near Porta Romana). Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Phone: 39 055 220542

Ristorante Omero - http://www.ristoranteomero.it/Default.htm Closed Tuesday.

VENICE

Places to See:

Piazza San Marco - The Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark's Square), a large, broad public square, is the main meeting place in Venice and host to the most well-known attractions in tourist Venice. As you land at the dock of St, Mark's, you will see two columns. One is crowned with Saint Theodore, the patron saint of Venice, while the other is topped with the Lion of St. Mark. St. Mark’s is the only area with the name "Square" in Venice, the areas that one might be tempted to call squares are known as "campo". Piazza San Marco is one of the lowest areas of Venice and may flood at times of high. The Piazza is normally crowded, both with tourists and with the ever-present pigeons. On the Piazza San Marco, you will find St. Mark’s Cathedral, the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile, several museums - all the buildings that appear in most travel brochures describing Venice. The Piazza San Marco is a public square and open year round.

St. Mark's Basilica - St. Mark's was built to house the reliquary of St. Mark and the Saint's tomb is the focus of the cathedral. Be sure to see the various chapels, the Sanctuary, the Treasury and the Museo (where the original horse statues from Byzantium are on display). St. Marks is open all year - Monday through Saturday and on Sunday afternoons after services.

Campanile - The original Campanile, which was visited by Galileo in the 17th century, collapsed during repair work in 1902 and the present structure was rebuilt in 1912. You can climb to the top for a nice view of the Piazza, St. Mark's and the Doge's Palace. The Campanile is the tallest structure in Venice. The Campanile is open year around.

Doge’s Palace - The Doges (dukes) ruled Venice and this building, serving as both the Doge's Palace and the seat of government, was Venice's center of power until the Venetian Republic ended in the 18th century. A tour of the building reveals the historic grandeur that accrued to Venice in its role as a major sea power and mercantile center of the Mediterranean. The Doge's Palace is open year round.

Grand Canal //Canalazzo - The famous waterway is approximately two miles long and faced with impressive palaces that were owned by the city's famed and wealthy seafaring merchants. Take the Vaporetto and tour during the day and night to see the real beauty of the Grand Canal.The Rialto Bridge provides a good land view of the Grand Canal and is the center of commerce in modern day Venice. Look for the local markets selling vegetables and other foods.

Island Excursions

Murano Located just north of Venice, this island is famous for its glass arts and glassblowers. If you are interested in the art of glassmaking, visit the Museo del Vetro (if you have a Venice Museum Pass, you can use it here as well). Most of the glass shops open daily. Prices here are at a premium, but there are few places you can find a bargain in Venice.

Burano Famous for its lace shops, most of which are open daily, some closed on Sunday. Look closely to make sure you are buying Italian lace, as many varieties of lace, including imports from China, are available here. The island houses a lace museum that is open Tuesday through Fridays.

Places to Stay:

Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo - http://www.alpontemocenigo.com/en/index.htm

San Clemente Palace - http://www.thi.it/eng/benvenuto.asp?id=7

Palazzo Sant' Angelo sul Canal Grande - http://www.slh.com/italy/venice/photographs1_venpal.html

Places to Eat:

Fiaschetteria Toscana - http://www.fiaschetteriatoscana.it/ Cannaregio, 5719. Phone: 39 041 5285281 Closed Tuesday and Wednesday for lunch.

Cavatappi - San Marco 252 (Campo della Guerra). Phone: 041-296-0252. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Trattoria Marisa - Cannaregio 652. Phone: 041-720-211. Closed Wednesday and Sunday evenings

Antico Martini – http://www.anticomartini.com/eng-index.html Campo San Fantin (on the square occupied by La Fenice opera house), Near Piazza San Marco Campania. Reservations Required. Phone: 041-522-4121

CAMPANIA

Campania, is known for its exotic seascapes and beautiful coastal villages. The noteworthy attractions in Campania include the Isle of Capri, the towns of the Amalfi Coast ( Amalfi, Ravello, Positano and Sorrento), and the archeological wonders of Pompeii and Paestum.

Capri - The Isle of Capri is a great place to kick back and enjoy the high life! The island offers a number of interesting antiquities dating from times when Roman Emperors had their summer palaces on the island. Also, be sure to see the Piazza Umberto (La Piazzetta) and spring for a boat ride for the best view of the island's breathtaking coast. Take the hydrofoil or ferry from Naples or Sorrento. The hydrofoil from Naples is one of the quickest ways to reach Capri. For a little change of pace, you might consider a stay in Ischia, another delightful island, but on the north end of the Bay of Naples.

Pompeii and Vesuvius - Pompeii is a world-famous attraction for a reason and it should not be missed by any visitor to southern Italy. It can be visited as a long day trip from Rome, if your travel plans do not include stops in Campania. Frozen in time as a result of a cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D., which buried it under ash and volcanic mud, Pompeii's history has been unearthed by archaeologists over the last two centuries. The time capsule-like nature of the remains of Pompeii provide interesting and poignant views of life in the Roman Empire.