When in Rome, do what the Romans do…..Everything!!!
A great hotel to stay in near Rome that is friendly and beautiful and quiet is Hotel Campannelle. If any hotel can handle 50 students perfectly with food and service and reception, then it is this hotel!!!!! The hotel is clean and the people are very friendly. A bit out of the city center but very quiet and big!!!!
Unfortunately I have not been back here in ten years (going with my students in May). My earliest memories of traveling are from Italy. I have never been overly impressed with this country (nor most of Western Europe), but its rich history keeps me coming back for more.
In my opinion, I believe Venice was horribly overrated. On the way you may want to hit Verona which is made popular by Romeo and Juliet (here you can touch Juliet’s breast for good luck) I am not sure why tourists from all over flock here, but it is good for a visit. The city is however sinking, so in some years time it may not be there. I actually like walking around here when it is not crowded in the early morning. It is worth to go to the shops and see how they blow the glass, which was taken from the early Venetian times. Of course you must do a Gondola ride (don’t forget your bottle or two of wine as it makes it much more enjoyable). It is very expensive to stay in the city so I would suggest staying a bit out of the city. I would plan to visit this place at least once in your life…
Florence of course is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance that ushered in the new era!!!! This city is great and easy to walk around. The Science Museum is great and here you can see many of the Renaissance and Enlightenment thinkers that made it possible for us to know the things that we know today. There is plenty of places to eat and shop and you may want to go and visit the statue of David in Il Duomo or hit one of the many museums. The options here are unlimited!!!! On a day trip I would go over to Pisa (but just for an afternoon) I believe the only reason I have ever wanted to go here is because I saw it in the Superman movie when I was little. Makes no sense but it was a dream of mine….
Rome is Rome. Nice city, but terribly busy and crowded. If you have seen it once, you do not need to see it anymore in my opinion. All the landmarks are overrun with tourists and it is hard to get a descent picture unless you go early. I much prefer to just take my time to walk around in the early morning or sometimes in the evening to take in the sites. Cafe’s are abundant here and the food is great. But be prepared for a trillion people to be around you…
The south of Rome is where it starts getting interesting to me. Pompeii is always a stop I make that I love because obviously I teach history. This city was buried in time and has many good sites in it. If you can get to a peaceful quiet place around there without tourists, then you can let your mind wander!!!!
Finally my favorite place in Italy is Sorrento/Isle of Capri. I SIMPLY LOVE IT HERE!!! Sorrento is so relaxing as it is situated by the ocean (see pictures) and is one of the places I love to photograph. Across the bay is the Isle of Capri which is a picturesque and lovely Island. I have found myself going back here for the sheer logic in that it is peaceful and relaxing. I think that the pictures will speak louder than words….
