ITALY

Cities Days Info

MILAN
GENOA
CINQUE TERRE
PISA
ROME
VATICAN
SIENA
FLORENCE
BOLOGNA
VENICE Fri 10/19/07 (day 1) - Milan
Sat 10/20/07 (day 2) - Milan
Mon 10/21/07 (day 3) – Genoa & Cinque Terre
Mon 10/21/07 (day 3) – Cinque Terre
Mon 10/22/07 (day 4) – Cinque Terre & Pisa
Mon 10/22/07 (day 4) – Pisa
Mon 10/23/07 (day 5) – Rome
Mon 10/24/07 (day 6) – Rome & Vatican
Mon 10/25/07 (day 7) – Vatican
Mon 10/26/07 (day 8) – Siena & Florence
Mon 10/27/07 (day 9) – Florence & Bologna
Mon 10/27/07 (day 9) – Bologna & Venice
Mon 10/28/07 (day 10) – Venice
Mon 10/29/07 (day 11) – Istanbul Milan
Genoa
Pisa
Rome
Citta del Vaticano
Siena
Florence
Bologna
Venice

MILAN

Fri 10/19/07 (day 1) - Milan

Milan

Understand

Historically, Milan was for a long time an independent state subject to the power of French and Austrian forces. During the 19th century it was conquered by Piedmont and became part of Italy .

In the 20th century, Milan became the most industrialized city in Italy , and is now Italy 's foremost financial centre.

At first contact, Milanese life can seem a bit hectic and Milanese people a bit brusque, especially compared to the rest of ItalyThis because Milanese are no-nonsense people, at least the original ones. But with coeur in man, their heart in their hands, meaning a tradition of generosity.

Get around

ATM [16] operates a public transport network which is pretty efficient (especially the underground lines and the streetcars). Single tickets cost 1 euro and are available from newsstands, bars and automatic ticket machines in metro stations. Daily and two-day tickets are available in several newsstands (including subway newsstands) and the tourist information office. Single tickets are valid for 75 minutes, during which you can use them on as many trams and buses as you like and for one metro ride and for one ride on the urban part of the suburban train. Your time starts once you validate it by inserting it into a box which prints the date and time on it. These are found inside trams and buses and at the turnstiles at the metro. If you've first used a single ticket on a bus or tram you must also validate it when you enter the metro or before taking the urban part of the suburban train. A new ticketing system is being introduced during 2006. If you have a new magnetic type ticket, you should validate it every time you board on a new bus or tram, as well. Daily tickets (abbonamento giornaliero urbano) are sold for 3 euros and are valid for 24 hours from first validation.

The Metro (short for Metropolitana, the logo is a big white M on a red background) has three lines, each commonly identified by a color as shown below, and is the best way to get around if you're near a station. The lines are: MM1, red (rossa); MM2, green (verde); MM3, yellow (gialla). The last trains run at around midnight (2 a.m. on Saturday nights).

The Suburban Railway System (the logo is a big green S on a blue background) includes a special line known as Passante, usually considered the fourth subway line, and has eight more lines, each identified by a number (1 to 10, lines 7 and 8 are not yet operating), connecting metro area towns with Milan. Note that suburban trains run less often than Metro trains (depending on the line, they range from 1 to 4 per hour) but, as some lines share tracks and stations, you can expect as many as 10 trains per hour in central Milan between Lancetti and Porta Vittoria stations. This lines are usually marked with a large blue line on maps.

Trams run above-ground on rail lines running through the streets. Being above ground means you get a view of what you're passing, so if you don't need to go far they're convenient and fun.

Buses should probably be your third public transport option. Less comfortable than the metro and trams, but more routes to choose from. ATM streetcars and buses service stops around 2 am. Please note, however, that some lines end their service earlier and some do not have a night service at all. In any case check your route and timetable in advance if you want to travel at late night. From 8 pm to 2 am a special shuttle service is operated by ATM, called Radiobus [17], an on-call bus accessible only be pre-booking.

Taxis are pretty expensive and drivers and cannot catch walking customers. The best ways to catch a taxi is from taxi stands or by phone booking. The main taxi companies answer to phone numbers 02.40.40 and 02.69.69. A special phone number 848.814.781 allow you to be automatically to the nearest taxi stand. It is charged at local phone charge, but it is only avaible from wired landline, not from mobile phone. If you book a taxi by phone you'll start paying from the moment the driver accepts the call and comes to pick you up. Local law define some fixed fee trips: Milan to Malpensa Airport 70 euros, Malpensa Airport-Rho Fair 55 euros, Malpensa Airport-Linate Airport 85 euros, Linate Airport-Milan Fair 40 euros. All fees are intended for a one-way, non-stop trip; taxi waiting time and booking are extras.

Radiobus is a good, cheap and efficient alternative to taxi. Shuttle buses operated by ATM, with the characteristic silver color with a strip of international flag painted diagonal, operate after 8 PM and until 2 AM; you may book them by phone at 02 4803 4803 at least 20 min. in advance (a couple of hours is better). The bus will stop at a dedicated place (these have an hexagonal panel with blue writing RADIOBUS and telephone number on white) and will leave you virtually any place. Memorize the pick-up location. The driver will wait for ladies to enter the home door - just in case. Costs 2 EUR per person. You may buy the tickets in advance, or pay on the bus.

Cars are definitely not a good idea to get into the city centre. Like most major cities traffic is a considerable problem, not to mention the hassle of parking. During working hours traffic is often blocked, inside the city as well as on the highway ring surrounding it. It is much better at night, but you'll probably have problems finding a place to leave the car near enough to nightlife attractions. And a Congestion charge will be applied probably from end 2007 - 2 to 10 EUR per day to enter the second city ring (i Bastioni) acconding to how much pollution-prone is your car. Paying the charge, hopefully, will grant a daily ticket on ATM network, presumably only within city centre.

Several buses connect suburban cities and towns surrounding Milan Some are managed by ATM. You can travel on most of them with an inter-urban ticket (biglietto interurbano) which are sold in two forms: including travel in Milan or without. In the without form you can only go to the end of the line, while with the cumulative version you can transfer to any ATM line. There are several rules and distance limits which apply - check on them.

Walking is definitely a possibility, and although Milan is a large city this is an excellent way of imbibing the culture of the place. No matter how hot the day, one will see elegantly dressed people of both sexes in cutting or perhaps timeless fashion with not a drop of sweat. There are many places to sit, apart from the ubiquitous cafes, especially in the parks. Get a decent map of the city before setting out though, as the roads do not always maintain a straight line, and the various piazza can be confusing to the newcomer. In the many parks, there are dog only areas, but one should always be careful when walking as the two things one will see on the ground in the streets are cigarette ends and dog feces.

See

Museums

Milan offers the visitor a large variety of art museums, mainly of Italian Renaissance and Baroque.

Cenacolo Vinciano, [18] Leonardo da Vinci's famous "Last Supper". Tickets should be reserved at least a few days before the visit. Cancelled reservations are sold from 8:15AM every morning (if there are any).

Pinacoteca di Brera, Brera Street , [19]. Reach by subway MM2 Lanza Station, MM3 Montenapoleone Station, tram lines 1, 4, 8, 12, 14, 27 or buses 61 and 97.

Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, [20].

Poldi Pezzoli Museum , Manzoni Street , [21]. Reach by subway, MM3 Montenapoleone Station, or with many buses and trams.

Bagatti Valsecchi Museum [22], a late 19th century aristocratic mansion with Italian Renaissance art collections located in via Gesù 5, between via della Spiga and via Montenapoleone; subway MM3 Montenapoleone Station, MM1 San Babila Station, tram lines 1 and 2, Montenapoleone stop

Societa' per le Belle Arti ed Esposizione Permanente [23]

The Sforzesco Castle [24] Reach by subway, line MM2, Lanza Station, or with many buses and trams. Home to the museums of applied arts, ancient art, historical musical instruments, prehistory, Egyptian art and fine arts. Highly Recommended!

Civico Museo Archeologico Roman antiques from Milan .

Contemporary Arts Pavillion (PAC), Palestro Street near Porta Venezia Gardens , [25]. Reach by subway, line MM1, Palestro Station, or with many buses and trams.

Museo del Duomo (Museum of the Cathedral), [26].

Museo d'Arte Paolo Pini, [27].

Other Museums:

Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology, S.Vittore Street , [28]. Reach by bus or subway, line MM2 Sant'Ambrogio Station.

Triennale di Milano, Alemagna Street , [29]. Reach by bus 61 or subway, line MM2 Cadorna-Triennale Station.

Natural Science Museum , at 55, Corso Venezia, inside Porta Venezia Gardens Line MM1, Porta Venezia or Palestro Stations. Has reduced and free entry [depends on person] after 16:30 most days or 14:30 Fridays.

The Palazzo Reale [30], opposite South side of Duomo, always hosts many exhibitions, usually very interesting.

Museo Teatrale alla Scala, [31]. A museum dedicated to the world's most famous opera house.

Churches

Some of the most beautiful churches one can see in Milan are:

The Duomo, in Duomo Square , is Milan 's main cathedral, a massive late Gothic church (started in 1386) in white marble, with hundreds of spires and thousands of statues on its exterior. Its famous facade is currently partly covered in scaffolding. Don't miss the chance to climb up onto the roof. Great views between the Gothic spires. Reach by subway, lines MM1 or MM3, Duomo Station, or with many buses and trams. Roof open daily 9 am - 5:30 pm.

Saint Mary of the Graces ('Santa Maria delle Grazie') , which houses the famous Last Supper ('Cenacolo Vinciano') by Leonardo da Vinci. You must make a reservation several days in advance as tickets are usually sold out, recently by as much as three weeks or more. Tickets can be only be reserved by phone (02.8942.1146). Reach by tram 20-24-29-30 or by subway, line MM1 and MM2 Cadorna Station.

Saint Ambrose, in Piazza San Ambrogio, a beautiful early romanic church which was almost destroyed by allied bombing in World War 2.

Historic Monuments

The Castello Sforzesco, where the Sforza-Visconti ruling families of Milan resided. Later it was the Austrian governor's residence, when Lombardy was part of the Hapsburg empire. It houses several museums. Metro: Cairoli.

La Scala Theatre [32], 1 Piazza Scala, one of the most renowned opera house in the world. It first opened in 1778 and re-opened in 2004 after extensive renovations.

Other sights

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the mother of all shopping malls: upscale shops in a splendid 19th- century palace of a mall. Now has a McDonald's. for real Milanese cheap food, go to Luini for a Panzerotti on nearby Via San Radegonda

Biblioteca Ambrosiana historical library with treasures such as Leonardo Atlantic Codex.

Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense [33] is a library established in 1770 by the Austrian governor. In has since acquired other historical collections and the archives of RAI (Italy's state television). It's very active in organising workshops and debates on new media and new technologies.

Via della Spiga and its neighborhood is the center of high-class shopping, where almost every luxury brand can be found.

Porta Ticinese and the surrounding area is a very old-fashioned quarter nearly untouched by WWII bombings. At night Milanese people like to have a walk near Colonne di San Lorenzo (S.Lawrence's columns).

Piazza Della Scala is the location of the Statue of Leonardo Da Vinci and La Scala theatre. Great photograph opportunity, and right next to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.

I Navigli is the location where many night spots are open till late. Once a month there is an open air market of antiques.

San Siro Stadium [34] is the famous stadium of Milan Terminal point of tram 16.

Milan is a great city to walk around and see the sights and people.

Football. Watch the AC Milan [35] or FC Internazionale [36], at the famous Meazza Stadium, also known as San Siro. Tickets for most matches are available in advance or on the day. Watch out for the scalpers at the stadium as they sell the tickets much expensive than the official ticket offices. As many as 60 matches per year are played in San Siro from late August until late May. MM1 Lotto Station or tram 16.

Exhibition Fairs. A lot of exhibitions are held during the year, ranging from wines to computers, industrial equipment and chocolate. The old exhibitions area is in central Milan (MM1 Amendola Fiera or MM1 Lotto - Fiera 2 Stations), the new one is in Rho (North West Milan, MM1 Rho Fiera Station, A4 highway Pero exit). For more information, visit the Fiera Milano website [37].

If you want to see Milan from above you can go on Duomo roof (by stairs or lift), between spires and statues. It's a great experience. Another choice is the Branca Tower ( Camoens street, near Triennale, inside Sempione Park ), built in 1933 by architect Giò Ponti. The tower is 108 m high.

Buy

Milan is a fashion shoppers' paradise.

The main shopping area is the fashion quadrangle (quadrilatero della moda), roughly between Duomo Square (piazza Duomo), Cavour Square (Piazza Cavour) and San Babila Square (Piazza San Babila). Here, in Montenapoleone Street, Della Spiga Street, Vittorio Emanuele Street and Manzoni Street, all major labels have their main shops: Giorgio Armani, Prada, Gucci, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and so on. MM1 San Babila or MM3 Montenapoleone.

For people wanting to spend a bit less, while still buying beautiful things, other areas are better. One of these is Vercelli Avenue (MM1 Pagano), another one is Buenos Aires Avenue (MM1 Porta Venezia, MM1 Lima, MM1/MM2 Loreto).

For hipsters there's the elongated Porta Ticinese area, expecially on Saturday, when the Fiera di Senigallia takes place near Darsena (now that area is closed and Fiera di Senigallia has been moved to a place near Porta Genova MM2 and FS station).

For men's shoes, you can do much worse than going to Via Belfiore, near Vercelli Avenue .

Eat

Please, eat Italian food. It's great. Try one of the risotto dishes, for example, and remember that Italians generally don't like any foreigner who always asks for spaghetti or pizza, so please, read the menu and remember that almost every restaurant has a typical dish.

However if you're on a long tour of Italy and want a break, in Milan you can also find good Chinese, French, Mexican, etc. food. Chinese restaurants are mainly located around Paolo Sarpi Street , the heart of Milan 's Chinatown .

Avoid the restaurants around the Duomo (cathedral) and the central area, they tend to be tourists-only, very low quality at high prices.

The city also features an excellent cafe called Brek with several locations throughout Milan , including near the Duomo. The food is very good, the prices are fair, and is a good place to stop for a quick bite.

Aperitivo

In the last several years Milan has established a local version of the Aperitivo or Happy Hour.

Roughly from 7pm to 9pm, many bars offer drinks and cocktails at a fixed price (5-8 euros each), accompanied by free all-you-can-eat buffets with snacks, pasta, rice, and many other appetizers.

A great place to go is the Straf Hotel near the Duomo. *[47]

It is not difficult to get a dinner's worth out of a Happy Hour.

Restaurants

At the two Osteria del Gnocco Fritto the 4.5 euro cover charge includes baskets of fried, square, hollow, hand-size pastries (similar to sopapillas) accompanied by meats, cheeses, or jams (8 to 11 euro). At Via Pestalozzi, 16 (tel. 02 8912.2631) and off the Grand Canal at Via Pasquale Paoli, 2 (tel. 02 5810.0216).

The Osteria dei Formaggi on the Grand Canal (Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 54) serves all manner of excellent cheese dishes in an intimate dining room heavily decorated with cows. (tel. 02 8940.9415)

Breakfast

In bars you can enjoy great caffè espresso, cappuccino and a brioche for as little as 2 euros. Please note that bars in the Duomo and San Babila areas can be very expensive.

Pizza

Milan is not Naples , the birthplace of pizza, but you can find good pizzerias everywhere. The best areas for pizza are near Marghera street , at the end of Vercelli Avenue , and on the Navigli, on Brera, on Paolo Sarpi. Expect to pay 8-15 euro for a pizza and a beer.

If you are in the Northeast area, there are many little pizzerias on viale Fulvio Testi (the northern extension of viale Zara) in the Greco area, of which an excellent choice is Pizzeria De Pino. Ask for John Luca, and don't miss the lasagne. Here you may also get homemade Mirto (as you can at many other places). The prices are very reasonable in these establishments; expect to pay about 4 to 5 euro for pizza and 3 to 4 euro for beer. These places are where the locals eat, are very friendly and helpful but few speak anything but Italian. Take the phrase book with you.

In Milan pizza is often eaten with a knife and fork, but of course eating with one's hands is possible and welcome. Most of people do both.

Snacks

In summer enjoy gelato, excellent Italian ice cream. The quality mark "gelato artigianale" indicates gelaterias that produce their own ice creams, without industrial processing. Bakeries are open every day, you can enjoy great and inexpensive bread-related food, such as pizza and focaccia. You can find a bakery almost everywhere in Milan , even in the Duomo area, and is a good alternative to bars for a fast lunch.

Drink

Some of the best places for the Happy Hour and late night drinking are:

Exploit Café, near the San Lorenzo Columns, in Porta Ticinese Avenue ;

Bar Bianco inside the Sempione Park ;

Roialto, in Piero della Francesa Street , near Sempione Avenue ;

Honky Tonks, in Fratelli Induno Street , near Sempione Avenue ;

Bar Magenta, in Via Carducci;

Dom Cafè, in Corso Como;

Il Saloon, in Niccolini Street , Chinatown area;

Frescobar, in Bramante Street , Chinatown area;

Birrificio Lambrate [48] with its own branded beers, in Adelchi Street , near Lambrate Station;

Cicco Simonetta [49], bohemian pub, with comics and musicians, with beer at 3E on Mondays;

New pub with best belgians beers is Brasserie Bruxelles in Viale Abruzzi 33, near Buenos Aires Avenue .

Sitting down for coffee or for a drink in Duomo Square or in the Vittorio Emanuele Gallery can be nice, but it can also be very hard on the wallet.

Milan by night

Milan has a great variety of places where you can have fun. A great starting point is Como Avenue (Corso Como), near Garibaldi Station, full of bars and glamorous clubs. In the summertime, this street is packed with a lot of young and attractive people. Another place where you can go is Navigli quarter, near Porta Ticinese Avenue and XXIV Maggio Square , where you can find a lot of small pubs. In many pubs and bars you can find a free booklet named Zero2 which is a guide to Milan Nightlife: if you don't know what to do or where to go, do grab one! Other popular night spots with bars and people are via Monte Nero (on wednesday it's packed of people in the piazza in front of a bar called "Momo"), Piazzale Susa (and Citta' Studi area), Colonne di San Lorenzo (not far from Navigli quarter), Brera, Corso Sempione (near the "Peace Arch").

There are bars and clubs open all week long but usually few people go out at night on Mondays or Tuesdays, the vast majority prefer to have fun on Thusdays, Fridays and Saturdays. However, Wednesday night appears to be one of the coolest to go out in stylish vip-frequented clubs.

Sleep

Camping

Citta di Milano, way on the outskirts of the city, located in Quinto Romano, Via Gaetano Airaghi 61, Tel. 02.48200134, Fax 02 48202999. If you arrive by car take the tangenziale Ovest; exit at San Siro/ Fiera. If by public transport, take the subway (the M1 line to De Agneli) and then a bus (bus no 72). Be aware that it's next to a rather smelly farm.

Budget

Hotel Valley , Via Soperga, 19, 20100 | Tel. +39 02.66987252 Fax +39 02.66987252, [50]. Close to downtown, a short distance from the central train station, the Hotel Valley opens its doors to a young clientele in search of an accommodation in Milan .

Hotel De Albertis, Via De Albertis, 7 | 20100 Milan, Italy | Ph. +39.02.7383409 Fax +39.02.7383409 , [51], [52]. 1 star hotel located in the Cinque Giornate area. Run by a very pleasant family.

Arco Hotel, P.zza S. Maria del Suffragio 3, 20129, Tel. +39.02.70126264 Fax +39.02.70126264, [53] 1 star hotel in the center of Milan .

Hotel Delle Nazioni, Via Cappellini, 18, 20124, Milan, Italy , Tel: +39 0266981221 Fax: +39 026701804, [54], [55]. 3 star hotel located just few meters from the main railway station.

Hotel Delizia, Via Archimede, 86/88 | 20129, Tel. +39 02.740544 - Fax +39 02.733638, [56]. A recently restored 2 star hotel with comfortable access to the tangenziale and the splendid Piazza del Duomo.

Hotel Garda, via Napo Torriani, 21 | 20124, Tel. +39 02.66982626 - Fax +39 02.66982576, [57]. Hotel Garda, in the center of Milan and at 5-minutes walking distance from Central Station, is the perfect solution for leisure or business stays.

Hotel Loreto, Via Bambaia, 4, 20131, Milan - Tel. +39 02.2613050 - Fax +39 02.26145724 - Web site: [58]. A two star hotel, a short distance from Corso Buenos Aires, in a central location that is also extremely quiet.

IYHF hostel - Follow the signs from QT8 stop on the red line to Molino Dorino. Very relaxed curfew compared to most in ItalyLook out for the nightwalkers you pass on the way to the hostel.

Postello - [59] (in English). €15/night, and was once a squat. They are currently saving up to buy the building they are housed in, so staying here helps them achieve their goal. Good internet access, and have an anti-facscista focus.

Ostello Olinda - [60] A former psychiatric hospital.

Hotel Serena Milan - Via Boscovich, 59 (Angolo Corso Buenos Aires), 20124, Tel. +39 0229 404483 Fax +0039 0229 404958, [61]. The Hotel Serena Milan is situated in the centre of the city of Milan close to the Central Station and close to famous attractions and historical places.

Hotel Porta Romana Milan - Via Lazzaro Papi, 18, 20135, Tel. +39 02 55185890 Fax +39 02 55180189, [62]. Hotel di Porta Romana is a 3 Star accommodation nicely located in the city centre, ideal for business clients or holidaymakers who love to shop.

Stay safe

Generally, Milan today it's a safe place, but always keep watching your baggage, handbag or wallet especially while making use of public transportation or in other crowded areas like open air markets. If you carry your handbag in your hand then it could get snatched, so it's better to wear a shoulder strap across your body. Perhaps you'd better avoid certain part of the city at night, such as Centrale Station area. Areas in the outskirts and suburbs can become a bit unsafe at night because of the lack of nightlife.

Departure

Istanbul (SAW) - Milan (BGY)

11:10 - 12:40

Fri Oct 19 11:10am - Fri Oct 19 12:40pm

9. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

+39 2 7252 4301 (L'ufficio Turisfico)

Piazza del Duomo

Milan , 20121

Italy

Overview

Construction of the "Galleria", a typically 19th-century public building now used for events, began in 1864 following a series of competitions for the design won by Giuseppe Mengoni. Large plaster eagles support its dome, 47m high and made of iron and corrugated glass. Note the telamons and caryatids on the interior façades and the Neo-Renaissance-style stuccowork and graffiti. The floor of the octagon was completely restored in 1966 in rare marble mosaic showing the emblems of Italian.

Commissioned by Ludovico di Moro and designed by Guiniforte Solari, this building was intended as a mausoleum for the Sforzesco dynasty, in which the remains of the duke and his wife, Beatrice d'Este, as well as others connected with the family, were to be laid to rest. The adjoining Dominican convent's cloister and sacristy were later renovated by Bramante. The refectory walls are home to Leonardo da Vinci's(1452-1519) Last Supper. Bramante's façade is of particular interest.

3. Castello Sforzesco

+39 2 8846 3700

Piazza Castello

Milan , 20100

Italy

Open Hours

Castle: 9:30-5:30p M-Su, Museum 9a-5:30p M-Su (Entry closes at 5p)

Overview

Built in 1368 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti to defend the city from attack, the castle was enlarged by military architect Magatti under the instruction of Visconti's successor Gian Galeazzo. Destroyed in 1447, it was rebuilt between 1450 and 1500 and enlarged under Francesco Sforza's rule. In 1500, once Sforza's rule was over, the building regained its military function and, after successive transformations, eventually fell into ruin. Rebuilt in the late 1900s, from 1893 onwards the castle gradually.

1. Piazza del Duomo

+39 2 7252 4301 (L'ufficio Turistico)

Piazza del Duomo

Milan , 20121

Italy

Overview

The gigantic central square in front of Milan cathedral has always been a reference point for Milan 's town planners. It was a meeting point for important roads before and during the Roman period. In the 4th century, it was a religious centre with the construction of the Basilica of Santa Tecla, and the Baptistry of San Giovanni alle Fonti (both demolished in the mid-14th century and their foundations can be seen below the space in front of the cathedral). Since 1386, the cathedral has been.

1. Duomo

+39 2 8646 3456

Piazza del Duomo

Milan , 20123

Italy

Overview

Watched over by the Madonnina, the cathedral's high rose marble spires represent the city's most famous artistic and religious monument. The dimensions of Christendom's third biggest church are still awe-inspiring at 108m high (to the tip of the tallest spire) and 158m long. A range of architectural styles feature: doorways are 17th century, the central balcony from the late 18th and the three main upper windows early 19th-century pieces by Carlo Amati. The cathedral's vast interior.

2. Teatro alla Scala

+39 0288791

Piazza della Scala

Milan , 20121

Italy

Overview

Conceived in 1776 as a fitting replacement for the Teatro Ducale (sadly destroyed by fire), the famous La Scala theatre has since become one of opera's legendary venues. Home to the prestigious La Scala di Milano opera company, it remains one of the city's liveliest cultural venues. Check the web site for maps and directions.

Old Fashion Cafe

+39 2 805 6231

Vile Alemagna, 6

Milan , 20121

Italy

Overview

One of the first discos in Milan , The Old Fashioned continues to pump out the dance tunes, but only after serving lovely candlelit dinners in the evenings. Different music is served up each weeknight; the crowd usually starts jumping after midnight and continues till the early morning hours.

GENOA

Mon 10/21/07 (day 3) – Genoa & Cinque Terre

Genoa

Understand

Venice , Rome , Florence are of course the most known and admired towns in Italy When moving to north-western Italy (Milan, Turin ) it is nevertheless absolutely worth staying for a couple of days or a weekend in Genoa .

Get around

There regular buses servicing the whole city, but the timetables one can see at stops are not always reliable. In addition to this there is a short tube railway connecting the city center with the peripheral district of Rivarolo. With the tube connection is also possible to cross the medieval center which usually has too narrow streets (called 'caruggi') for cars or busses.

Trains travel through the whole city in the east/west direction; this is probably the best way to travel if you plan to see some peripheral districts on the coastline, as no bus travels for the whole width of the city.

The historical center is serviced by bus only around some important squares and streets (Piazza Acquaverde for Stazione di Piazza Principe , Piazza della Nunziata, Largo Zecca, Piazza Corvetto, Piazza Caricamento); caruggi are best seen on foot.

See

Museums:

The Aquarium [1] The biggest in Europe !

The Naval Museum [2]

Ethnographical Museum [3]

Museum of Modern Art - Wolfson [4]

Museum of Modern Art - Villa Croce [5]

Museums of Fine Arts - Strada Nuova - Palazzo Bianco ( White Palace ) [6] and Palazzo Rosso ( Red Palace ) [7]

Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art [8] The biggest European collection of oriental art.

Doria Museum of Natural History [9]

The Cathedral Museum [10]

Museum of St. Augustine [11] A convent displaying various medievil works of art.

Ligurian Archeological Museum [12]

Luxoro Museum [13] A private collection which houses various works of art and furniture.

Raccolte Frugone [14] The Nervi's former private art collection.

Wolfsoniana [15] A museum of modern applied arts.

Palazzo Reale ( Royal Palace ) [16] Owns a historical picture gallery.

National Ligurian Gallery at the Spinola Palace [17]

Museum of the Ligurian Art Academy [18]

Museum at the Prince's Palace [19] Another Genovese historical art collection.

Ippolito National Ligurian Museum [20]

The Cathedral of San Lorenzo

The historical centre:

Genoa is known to have Europe ’s biggest historical center. This is the heart of the old city. It’s made up of an incredible amount of tiny streets and alleys called Caruggi. Walking through it will plump you right back in ancient times when Genoa was the most important harbor of the Mediterranean seaThe city is generally safe, but caution is to be applied, especially at night time and in the more quiet zones toward Piazza Principe and the old harbor, due to presence of small criminality.

The natal house of Cristoforo Colombo. In piazza Dante you will find what is said to be the natal house of Columbus ;

The impressive fortification belt built on the hills surrounding the city, originating in the 16th Century;

There is a funicular railway servicing Monte Righi, where one can have pleasant walks on the surrounding hills and to the fortifications (see above), or just admire the spectacular view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

Spianata Castelletto is a nice belvedere where one can have a pleasant view of the city and of the seaport. It can be reached by public lift from Piazza della Nunziata or on foot from that very same square.

Via Garibaldi (also known as Via Aurea and Strada Nuova, Golden Street and New Street ) with very impressive baroque buildings. Some similar buildings are also found in Via Balbi.

The Old Harbour (Porto Antico), next to the Aquarium, is an entertainment area with museums, cinemas, cafés and also a beautiful promenade along the sea.

The Lanterna - the oldest European lighthouse and a prominent Genovese symbol

A lot of beautiful churches, some of which date back to the Romanesque time (San Giovanni di Pre', San Donato, Santa Maria del Castello)

Corso Italia - Genoa 's prmenade

Boccadasse - a picturesque fishermen quarter

Castello d'Albertis [21]

Pallazzo Ducale Where the Dukes of Genoa used to live.

Sleep

Budget

Youth Hostel, via Costanzi 120, tel. (0039)0102422457, hostelge@iol.it (to reach from the center by bus no. 40)

Columbus Village Accommodations, Via XX Settembre 26/5 16121 Genova tel +39 010 8692029 (From the US 011 39 010 8692029)

An agency that rents local bed & breakfast accommodations in Genoa They also rent accommodations in the surrounding area and short-let apartments. Reservations through their website: Columbus Village

Hotel Villa Bonera, Via Sarfatti, 8 - tel. +39 010.3726164, fax. +39 010.3728565 , [22]

3. Lanterna

+39 0102465346

Via San Benigno

Genoa , 16149

Italy

Open Hours

Can be visited on request.

Overview

This is known throughout the world as the emblem of Genoa It is built on a rocky outcrop, the remains of Promontorio Hill which has been quarried for centuries for stone with which to build the city. The Lanterna was built in 1543 on the site of an earlier lighthouse. It has always kept the seafaring people safe, enabling them to direct their boats towards a safe harbour from 33 miles away. Legend has it that the Republic government assassinated the architect by making him jump from.

4. Palazzo Doria Pamphili

Via San Benedetto, 2

Genoa , 16126

Italy

Open Hours

3p-6p Sa, 9a-1p Su

Overview

This palazzo, one of the most magnificent in the entire city, was built for Andrea Doria in the 16th century; interestingly, his descendants have recently taken up residency once more. It was built outside the city walls as an autonomous estate, endowed with its own private port, and a vast terraced garden spreading behind it. The palazzo was conceived as a celebration of the greatness of Andrea himself and Carlo V of Spain , with whom the admiral had close ties. Thanks to the artwork of Perin.

6. Piazza Fontane Marose

Strada Balbi

Genoa , 16124

Italy

Open Hours

Always open

Overview

Located on the edges of the historic centre, at the beginning of the monumental Via Garibaldi , this square owes its name to the rather fierce fountain which collects the waters from the banks of the Luccoli and directs them down to the sea. It was designed to host equestrian tournaments, as dictated by a historic commission by the Republic, but is today a road with several fascinating buildings facing onto it, including the black and white fronted Palazzo Spinola.

9. Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo Reale

+39 10 271 0236

Via Balbi, 10

Genoa 16126 Italy

Open Hours

9a-1:45p Su-Tu, 9a-7p W-Su

Overview

The Gallery is inside the 17th century building by Stefano Balbi. It was then enlarged by the Durazzo family before passing to the Savoy kingdom in 1824. It is the most important example of a stately home in Genova. This is largely due to the enormous size and splendour of the building. After you have had a look at the peaceful hanging gardens created in 1739, you will come to the monumental staircase which was created to go up to the aristocratic floor. The rooms there are richly decorated.

9+. Galleria di Palazzo Rosso

+39 10 247 6351

Via Garibaldi, 18

Genoa , 16124

Italy

Open Hours

9a-1p Tu , Th, F , 10a-6p Su, 9a-7p W, Sa

Overview

The palazzo, known as rosso due to its colour, is one of the last built in the Strada Nuova, now Via GaribaldiIt was built in the seventeenth century for the Ridolfo brothers and Gio Francesco Brignole Sale. In 1874, Duchess of Galliera, the last of the line in her family, donated the building and the art collections in it to the city. There was a particular obligation on the city to make the official noble appartment into a museum. The splendid rooms are sumptously decorate.

1. Acquario di Genova

+39 10 248 8011

Area Porto Antico - Ponte Spinola

Genoa 16128 Italy

Open Hours

Dec-Feb: 10a-6p M, 9:30a-7:30p Tu-F, 9:30a-8:30p Sa-Su and holidays

Overview

This museum, one of the main tourist attractions in Italy , welcomes millions of visitors each year. Built between 1989 and 1992, it reproduces a coastal atmosphere in 48 basins, four of which are oceanic and have two viewing levels. Continually changing, it also includes the Nave Italia, which was the seat of the Italian Pavilion during the Expo of 1992, and is now home to around 500 different species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds and invertebrates. Entrance fee: adults: EUR11.60; ages 3-12: EUR6.90; children up to three enter free; groups and school parties welcome.

10. Piazza Banchi

Via Banchi

Genoa 16123 Italy

Overview

This has always been a meeting place for Genovese merchants. It was first the salt market, which then became the heart of the city's business and trade. The piazza owes its current appearance to sixteenth century modifications, from which time many of the buildings date: the Chiesa di S.Pietro in Banchi , located directly above the stalls, the Loggia dei Mercanti o di Banchi , the former site of the Market Exchange, the interior of which boasts imposing.

2. Via di Sottoripa

Via di Sottoripa

Genoa , 16124

Italy

Overview

Intended as an arched breakwater to protect the houses from the sea (the name Ripa - bank- is in fact a contracted form of Ripa Maris), the road was built in 1133-34, on the strength of a decree by the Advisers to the Republic who ordained the height, measurements, type of roofing and materials to be used. After the gradual enclosing of the port, which considerably reduced the possibility of sea damage, the porticoed walkway became a real market area, which is constantly used, flanked by almost.

Parchi di Nervi

Via Capolungo 1, 3, 9

Genoa , 16167

Italy

Open Hours

8a onwards

Overview

Today a public park, this is an amalgamation of the splendid gardens of the Groppallo, Serra and Grimaldi villas, which, together with the Villa Brignole Sale (Duchessa di Galliera) , make up the largest green space in the city. This luxuriant area, which occupies almost nine hectares, retains the orignal, romatically inspired layout of the gardens, with English lawns, palm trees, ponds and fountains, and a beautiful rose garden which in May and June is visited by plant.

Bagni Medusa

Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi, 27a

Genoa , 16167

Italy

Overview

Medusa, on the Nerva promenade, is just like a balcony over the sea with a trattoria and pizzeria in the winter and a bathing centre in the summer with a curious, natural, tidal swimming pool which is a small basin formed out of rock jutting straight out of the sea.

CINQUE TERRE

MONTEROSSO AL MARE
VERNAZZA
CORNIGLIA
MANAROLA
RIOMAGGIORE

Mon 10/21/07 (day 3) – Cinque Terre

Mon 10/22/07 (day 4) – Cinque Terre & Pisa

Monterosso Al Mare

Overview

Monterosso al Mare is a town and commune in the province of La Spezia , part of the region of Liguria (northern Italy ). It is one of the five villages in Cinque Terre. The town is divided into two distinct parts: the old town and the new town. The two areas are divided by a single tunnel that caters to pedestrians and the very few cars in the town.

The beach at Monterosso runs along most of the coast line and is well used by tourists and locals. The beach is the only extensive sand beach in the Cinque Terre. Monterosso is a small town that in the summer months is overrun by tourists.

History

In 1870, the Italian government built a railroad line into the city, which opened it up to the outside world. It is the main way in which people enter the city.

During World War II, many young men from the Cinque Terre fought for the resistance against Hitler and Mussolini.

Main sights

The Castle, partially ruined, built by the Genoese.

The parish church of St. John the Baptist (1282-1307). Its façade features four small marble columns and a main portal surmounted by a fresco portraying the baptism of Christ. The building is of a basilica-type plan that includes a nave and two aisles. The square medieval bell tower is crowned by merlons.

Village life

Along the hiking trail, Monterosso.Historically, many of the villages on the Mediterranean were walled to protect against attacks from the sea. This area of the coast was often attacked by Muslim pirates and Vikings. Viking influence can still be seen in the occasional fair-skinned, red-headed children of the native villagers in the region.

Originally, the village was only accessible by sea or by mule paths that connected the villages of the Cinque Terre as well as to Via Roma, the main road that connected all of Italy to Rome These mule paths have been maintained and used over the centuries and now provide hikers with a more intimate view of the sea-swept Cinque Terre. The area was recently designated as part of the national park system and is considered a protected area, to the effect of limited development and resource usage. The Cinque Terre hiking trails have been taken over by the national park system and there is now a fee to hike on all portions of the trail.

Monterosso has the Cinque Terre's sole official tourist office, in the station (daily 9am–7pm; tel 0187.817.059, www.aptcinqueterre.sp.it), as well as a Pro Loco tourist association office at Via Fegina 38 (tel 0187.817.506). Top hotel is the Porto Roca, Via Corone 1 (tel 0187.817.502, fax 0187.817.692, www.portoroca.it; 130–160; March–Nov), in a blissful location with sea-views from most rooms. Villa Adriana, Via IV Novembre 23 (tel 0187.818.109, fax 0187.818.128; 105–130), has its own beach and even some car-parking space. The Degli Amici, Via Buranco 36 (tel 0187.817.544, fax 0187.817.424; 65–80), is nicely situated away from the hubbub; its unremarkable rooms are all en suite. Punta Mesco, near the rail bridge at Via Molinelli 35 (tel & fax 0187.817.495; 65–80), has the cheapest rooms in town. Pick of the restaurants is Il Gigante on Via IV Novembre (tel 0187.817.401; closed Mon), with pricey but excellent Ligurian cuisine.

Vernazza

Overview

Vernazza is a town and commune located in the province of La Spezia , Liguria , northwestern Italy It is one of the five towns in Italy 's Cinque Terre region.

Vernazza is the fourth town heading north into the Cinque Terre. It has no car traffic (a road leads into a parking lot on the edge of the town) and remains one of the truest "fishing villages" on the Italian Riviera.

Get in

Taking the local commuter/milk trains (they used to deliver milk and mail to the cities) to Vernazza from Genova or La Spezia is a magnificent experience. You will ride along the cliffs, overlooking turquoise waters and olive trees. Tunnel after tunnel, the air cools and heats in the sun. There is no car traffic in Vernazza, which definitely adds to the village's charms. There is a small parking lot about a quarter mile north of the village.

Get around

The milk train provides easy access to each of the five towns. Trains run very frequently. The station in Vernazza is about a 10 minute walk above the harbor. The cobble stone main street from the station to the Harbor is classically beautiful, lined with colorful buildings that house small shops, cafes, and resdiences. style="mso-spacerun: yes">

Vernazza Main StreetThe town itself is very small and only accessible on foot.

See

There is a small rustic church worth a look near the waterfront. For a great view, walk up to the top of the castle. Walk takes no more than a minute or two and is well worth it.

The hike northeast from Vernazza to Monterosso (or vice versa) creates indelible memories of incredibly beautiful cliffs and seascapes. The hike takes about 90 minutes each way, but you can hike one way and return on the train. The trail begins on the north side of the main street between the train station and the harbor (it is not well marked, you may need to ask). The Vernazza-Monterosso hike involes some climbing, about 250 meters total.

Hiking Above VernazzaNot to be missed is the first part of the hike southeast from Vernazza to Corniglia. This hike literally offers postcard views (like the photo above) of the town, the castle, and more. The trail starts just above the train station (it is well marked). The most amazing views are within the first 10 minutes of walking from the station as the trail wraps around the watchtower of Vernazza's castle. You will definitely want your camera. The full hike to Corniglia, which is the greenest hike in the Cinque Terre as it meanders through Olive groves, takes about 90 minutes. For info on hiking to all five villages see the Cinque Terre page.

Buy

Most stores accept major credit cards, but there is an ATM in town if needed. Some basic amenities include an internet cafe, a laundromat and countless vendors selling postcards. There is a good wine shop a little ways from the beach. Besides various miscellaneous stores, one can't pass by the gelato shop without trying a new flavor of ice cream.

Eat

Trattoria da Sandro serves excellent cuisine and offers creative specials. A short walk from the train station, on Via Roma 62 (across from the Blue Marlin Bar), this place can be a nice change from the busy harborside restaurants.

Hike up to Franco’s Ristorante “La Torre”, which sits atop the castle on the trail to Corniglia (Wed-Mon 12:00-21:30, kitchen closes from 15:00-19:30)tel. 0187-821-082.

Trattoria Gianni is moderately priced, well decorated, and convenient-- nestled on the left side of the Harbor square.

Pesto "sauce" was invented in the Cinque Terre. Any visit without a slice of pesto pizza is an unfulfilled visit! You can get it throughout the Cinque Terre.

Drink

The Vino de la Cinque Terre is a suprisingly bold-tasting white wine that gets its characteristics from the high mineral content of the soil and the fresh, salty sea air. It can be found in any pub throughout the Cinque Terre. Combine it with some pesto for a truly amazing taste experience.

Corniglia

Overview

Corniglia is a frazione ("fraction") of the commune of Vernazza in the province of La Spezia , Liguria , northern Italy Unlike the other localities of the Cinque Terre, Corniglia is not directly next to the sea. Instead, it is on the top of a promontory about 100 meters high, surrounded on three sides by vineyards and terraces and the fourth side descends steeply on the sea. To reach Corniglia, it is necessary to climb the Lardarina, a long brick flight of steps composed of 33 flights with 377 steps or, otherwise follow a vehicular road that, from the station, leads to the village.

The village stretches along the main road, Fieschi Road , and the houses have one side facing this road and the other facing the sea. Corniglia is characterized by narrow roads and a terrace obtained in the rock from which all other four Cinque Terre's villages, two on one side and two on the other, can be seen. The town planning structure presents also original characteristics compared to those of the other villages: the houses are lower set, and only more recently higher, similar to those of the villages of the hinterland.

Corniglia is mentioned in a famous novella of Giovanni Boccaccio's Decameron.

History

The origin of the village dates back to the Roman Age as testified by the name which finds its roots in Gens Cornelia, the Roman family to whom the land belonged. In the Middle Ages it was a possession of the counts of Lavagna, the lords of Carpena and of Luni. In 1254 Pope Innocent IV gave it to Nicolò Fieschi, who held it until 1276, when the village was acquired by the Republic of Genoa .

See

S. Pietro church. This Parish church dedicated to St. Peter already appears in a document from 1521. Experts have been able to demonstrate that it ws built conserving part of the walls belonging to a pre-existent less important church of the 11th Century.

When you arrive at the train station at Corniglia, there are two ways to reach the center of town. Turn left out of the station and the bus is up and to the right, the walking trail, to the left. The walking trail is well maintained, with 365 (one for each day of the year) gradual steps leading up to the top of the town. Along the trail, as you walk through the vineyards, there are many stops with picturesque views of Manarola, the next town to the south When you arrive at the top of the steps, turn left to head to the center of town. Turn left and walk up the small street (Via Fieschi) that winds through the town, with many small stores and bars with local products. Gelateria Artigianle is well worth the stop for a taste of Gelato to refresh you from the long climb. Enjoy the Miele (honey flavored). Stop by and have fresh anchovies and wine with Mario, the owner of enoteca I'll Pirun. The music here is wonderful blend of jazz and blues. Continue on, and turn left past the church, and up the steps for the best views of Manarola.

Main sights

A few documents from 1276-77, mention the existence of a castle of which no remain has been found up to today so that not even the location of the castle has been possible. The only ruin left, belonging to the Genoese fortifications, is a stronghold on a cliff plunging into the sea which dates back to approximately 1556.

Manarola

Overview

Manarola (Manaea in the local dialect) is a small town, a frazione of the comune (municipality) of Riomaggiore, in the province of La Spezia , Liguria , northern Italy It is the second smallest of the famous Cinque Terre cities frequented by tourists.

Manarola may be the oldest of the cities in the Cinque Terre, with the cornerstone of the church, San Lorenzo , dating from 1338. The local dialect is Manarolese, which is marginally different from the dialects in the nearby area. The name "Manarola" is probably dialectical evolution of the Latin, "magna rota". In the Manarolese dialect this was changed to "magna roea" which means "large wheel", in reference to the mill wheel in the town.

Manarola's primary industries have traditionally been fishing and wine-making. The local wine, called Sciacchetrà, is especially renowned; references from Roman writings mention the high quality of the wine produced in the region. In recent years, Manarola and its neighboring towns have become popular tourist destinations, particularly in the summer months. Tourist attractions in the region include a famous walking trail between Manarola and Riomaggiore (called Via dell'Amore, "Love's Trail") and hiking trails in the hills and vineyards above the town.

Besides enjoying the beauty of this small town, hiking the trails to the other towns is definitely worth a day or two in the area. See Cinque Terre for more information on the paths.

When you arrive at the train station, you may need to go underground to reach the main platform. Head down the tunnel toward the city. During World War 2, the residents spent the nights here for protection. There is a wonderful art gallery with oil paintings and watercolors of the cinque terre towns. Turn right and up the hill -- this road used to be a stream, with bridges crossing , similar to Venice The stream was paved over and you can still hear the running water. About half way up, there is still an old water wheel. At the top is the church of S.Lorenzo .

To get to the via dell amore, go back through the tunnel towards the train station. Around the back are steps leading up to the trail. Be sure to have your ticket (available at the cinque terre office near the train station. )

Riomaggiore

Overview

Riomaggiore (Rimasùu in the local language) is a village and a commune in the province of La Spezia , situated in a small valley in the Liguria region of Italy It is the first of the Cinque Terre one meets coming from La Spezia .

Riomaggiore, the first city of the Cinque Terre.The village, dating from the early thirteenth century, is known for its historic character and its wine, produced by the town's vineyards. Riomaggiore is in the Riviera di Levante region and has shoreline on the Mediterranean's Gulf of Genoa , with a small beach and a wharf framed by tower houses. Riomaggiore has one or two roads where people go and hang out, but most of the life at night can be found at the Bar Centrale.

The Via dell'Amore is a path connecting Riomaggiore to its frazione Manarola, also part of the Cinque Terre.

Riomaggiore is the most southern village of the five Cinque Terre, all connected by trail. The water and mountainside have been declared national parks.

PISA

Mon 10/22/07 (day 4) – Pisa

Pisa

Understand

Pisa is best known for the world famous Leaning Tower , but those who come here with their mind already made up that the Tower is the only thing to see here may miss the other architectural and artistic marvels of this beautiful city.

The long walk from the Campo dei Miracoli to the train station is along a pedestrian mall with many interesting sights, shops, and restaurants.

Pisa is also quite a safe city. You won't need to worry about your property or person (but if you stay in a very cheap hotel take your valuables with you).

Get in

Pisa has regular trains to and from Florence (usually every three per hour), to and from Lucca (usually every hour) and is also accessible by bus, and has an airport.

You can reach the city via bus, taxi or train for no more than five or ten minutes. You can purchase tickets for bus or train at the information office, which is situated in the arrival hall. The trains are the fastest way to get to the city. The tickets cost only a Euro and the ride takes a couple of minutes. However, the trains are not very frequent. There are only two per hour. The bus has a regular service every 15 minutes and it takes another 15 minutes to get to the city. The bus runs to Piazza dei Miracoli and the central station. Tickets can be purchased either at the machines at the bus terminal or at the arrival hall's information desk. The price of the ticket is only 80 Euro cents. The ticket needs to be validated in the ticket machine when you get on the bus. Note that you need to have all necessary tickets before you get in the bus, or you will have to pay double. The bus terminal is situated close to the parking garage in the left part of the airport. Once in the city, its main sights are easy to locate and are all within walking distance.

Get around

There are regular buses around town, including from the train station to the Field of Miracles. Attractions are within a half hour walk of each other. Local bus tickets are available at the bus stops at both the airport and train station & Tobacco shops.

See

The Piazza dei Miracoli or Field of Miracles is to the north of central Pisa and contains its most famous sights:

Leaning Tower (Torre Pendente) [3] Originally the cathedral's bell tower, construction began in 1173 and began leaning due to subsidence of the ground underneath it soon after. A project to keep the tower from leaning more and tipping over finally reached a successful conclusion in 2001, and the tower is again open to those wishing to climb it. Climbing the tower requires a reservation based ticket for 15 Euro. Expect 45 minutes to 2 hour wait, but there is lots to see while you wait. It is better if you buy tickets online for 17 Euro well in advance at.

Duomo di Pisa , the splendid Cathedral, contains artwork by Giambolna, Dela Robbia, and others. Fine Romanesque style with double aisles and cupola, huge apse mosaic partly by Cimabue, and fine pulpit by Giovanni Pisano in late Gothic / early Renaissance style.

Baptistry large round Romanesque dome with more sculptured decorations and a fine view up top; climb this if you want a great view with the Leaning Tower visible in your photos. Arabic-style pavement, pulpit by Nicola Pisano (father of Giovanni), and fine octagonal font.

Campo Santo a huge cemetery building with much interesting art, including a collection of ancient Roman sculptures and splendid pre-Renaissance murals by the "Master of the Triumph of Death".

Museo del Opera del Duomo has sculptures and paintings formerly in the Pisa Cathedral. Some of the more unusual are bronze griffins from Syria captured by the Crusaders.

Museo delle Sinopie Skipped over by many visitors, this museum is a treat for art lovers. After WWII many of the surviving murals and pieces of murals from Pisa 's Campo Santo were detached from the walls to try to preserve them. It was unexpectedly discovered that the artist sketches underneath survived. These were moved to this museum.

Santa Maria della Spina small Gothic church built to house a thorn from Jesus's crown

Piazza dei Cavalieri old town square with a famous elitary school (Scuola Normale Superiore) with elaborate facade

Lungarno Mediceo

Santo Sepolcro Romanesque octagonal church with conical spire by Diotisalvi, who also built the baptistery - a Templar church, striking and forceful

fine Romanesque churches - San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno, San Michele in Borgo, San Paolo with a sculpture gallery inside, Sant'Andrea - not all are open every day

Museo di San Matteo , piazza San Matteo, 1, lungarno Mediceo Tel. +39 050 541865

Keith Haring mural

Ussero Café founded on 1775, lungarno Pacinotti 27, http://www.ussero.com

It is a monument to Italian culture in the 1400's Palazzo Agostini, on Lungarno. In 1839, it was seat of the meetings of the first Italian Congress of Scientists

Pisa is divided into 4 historical quarters. There is much more than the Leaning Tower in the city and several different walking itineraries are possible.

On June 16th there's a Pisan festival (Luminaria), held for the patron saint's day (San Ranieri). It consists of sports events, firework shows, and other.

Another summer attraction is the Gioco del Ponte (Game of Bridge), a historical manifestation held yearly for the last Sunday of June, in which the two sides of the city (Tramontana and Mezzogiorno, geographically split by the Arno river) participates to a historical procession, with 709 walk-ons, then challenges each other to a physical match in which their teams, each composed by 20 members, try to conquer the "Ponte di Mezzo" (the main bridge in Pisa) pushing a trolley in order to let the rival team out of the bridge themself.

Buy

Every two weeks there is a bazaar with quite cheap books, records and old stuff. If you like buying souvenirs you won't have a problem finding them. There are lots of small kiosks near the leaning tower selling all kinds of souvenirs from small statues to hour-glasses--of course the motif is the leaning tower!

Eat

As a general rule, try not to eat near the Leaning Tower where prices are high and quality low, on the contrary head to the central area (5-10 minutes walking from Piazza dei Miracoli). where you can find very good and cheap typical restaurants there. For example, there are excellent, friendly and reasonably priced cafeterias in the busy small vegetable market, Piazza delle Vettovaglie. Also Via San Martino, close to the south bank of the river, offers some places with good quality and low price. This said, near the Leaning Tower , in via Roma, there's a good Indian Restaurant, with a beautiful atmosphere and really good, though not always cheap, dishes. And in Piazza dei Miracoli, there's a quite good restaurant-pizzeria, cheap enough, the Kinzica. In anycase, don't miss Salza, in Borgo Stretto, with high prices but absolutely gorgeous chocolate, sweets and pastries of all kinds. Don't sit down inside, though, because you end up paying 10 Euros for two coffees. Finally,there's a good pizzeria near the Youth Hostel, too, on the road that leads to the Leclerc, on the left then you must go in the tunnel.

Drink

During summer nights, everybody stays around the banks of the rivers, sipping drinks bought from the several bars in the area. A few very good wine-bars are also available for colder, winter night.

Pisa Cafè dell'Ussero: a Rendevouz for Artists. It is a monument to Italian culture in the 1400's Palazzo Agostini, on Lungarno. Its walls are covered with glorious memories from its most famous visitors of the Risorgimento when they were students: Carlo Goldoni, Gacomo Casanova, Vittorio Alfieri, Filippo Mazzei, John Ruskin, Domenico Guerrazzi, Giuseppe Giusti, Renato Fucini, Giosuè Carducci, Cesare Abba, Giuseppe Montanelli. In 1839, it was seat of the meetings of the first Italian Congress of Scientists. Caffè dell’Ussero - Lungarno Pacinotti, 27 – Pisa ( Italy)

Piazza del Duomo

Overview

Standing in a large green expanse, Piazza del Duomo houses a group of monuments known the world over. These four masterpieces of medieval architecture – the cathedral, the baptistry, the campanile (the ' Leaning Tower ') and the cemetery – had a great influence on monumental art in Italy from the 11th to the 14th century.

ROME

Mon 10/23/07 (day 5) – Rome

Mon 10/24/07 (day 6) – Rome & Vatican

Rome

Understand

Situated on the River Tiber, between the Apennine Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, the " Eternal City " was once the administrative center of the mighty Roman Empire, governing a vast region that stretched all the way from Britain to MesopotamiaToday it remains the seat of the Italian government and home to numerous ministerial offices.

The metropolitan area is home to around 3.3 million people.

For two weeks in August, many of Rome 's inhabitants shut up shop (literally) and go on their own vacations; many stores and other amenities will be closed during this time. The temperature in the city centre at this time of year is not particularly pleasant. If you do travel to Rome at this time, be prepared to see Chiuso per ferie (Closed for holidays) signs on many establishments. Anyhow even in these weeks the city is very beautiful and if you look for a less overcrowded vacation in Rome this is not a bad time.

See

Italians are very fond of their landmark and their ancient culture and in order to make it more accessible every year there is a week during which every publicly managed place is free. This nice happening which typically is in mid-May is "La settimana dei beni culturali", i.e. 7 to 10 days all landmark, archeological places and museums belonging to public management (including Colosseo and all the areas of the ancient Foro) are free. See [12] to know the exact dates, in 2007 it was from May 12th to 20th.

Roman Empire structures

The Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill are all in very close proximity to each other.

The Colosseum - Entry €11 (€9 if you're under 25). Expect a long queue and an even longer wait. You can skip the queue if you decide to take a tour, but if you don't want a tour, you can STILL skip the queue. If you walk across the street to the Roman Forum, you can buy a day-long pass for €10,or a standard Colosseum + Palatine ticket at €11, better still, a 7-day pass for €22. This pass gets you in to the Colosseum (Colosseo), Palatine Hill (Palatino Hill), the Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla), and the catacombs as well as the Terme di Diocleziano, Palazza Massimo alle Terme, Crypta Balbi, Palazzo Altemps, Villa dei Quintili, Tomba di Cecilia Metella. If you don't want to cram it all into one day, get the pass. Plus, it is nice to buy a slice of pizza and eat in the gardens of Palatine Hill. There are lots of people offering tours in English just outside the entrance to the Colosseum. Inside you can take a tour (English, Spanish, or German) every 30 minutes or so for an additional fee of €3.5 per person. The tours are given by knowledgeable archeologists, but they don't take you to any areas you couldn't visit on your own.

The Pantheon - A marvel of ancient architecture, this ancient temple to all the gods is celebrated for its large dome, copied during Greek and Roman revival periods by such designers as Thomas Jefferson, who modeled his Monticello and the Rotunda at the University of Virginia on it. Built during the reign of the emperor Hadrian (AD 125-128), the Pantheon carries a dedication to Marcus Agrippa, who built the original structure on this spot in 27 BC. As it is still a functioning church, silence is requested during your visit. From inside the Pantheon, you'll see traces of the former bronze ceiling, melted down during the reign of Pope Urban VIII to make bombards to for the fortification of the Castel Sant' Angelo. The hole in the center of the ceiling, though, is an original feature designed to admit light. Guides will tell you the spectacular doors are original, but a glance shows that extensive alterations were made to the original doorway in order to accommodate them.

The site surrounding the Pantheon offers a lesson in archaeologial stratigraphy. The building now appears to be built in a recess at the edge of a hill, but this is not the original appearance. The street level at the sides and rear has risen about 10 meters since the original construction due to the accumulation of debris from 2,000 years of settlement. This has necessitated the maintenance of the deep trench that keeps the building from being buried.

Roman Forum - If stones could talk: these hallowed ruins were the most powerful seat of government in the world. The Forum is much less crowded than the Colosseum and, from a historical perspective, much more interesting. Free admission, except for an audio guide, which is highly recommended. To stand in the political, legal and religious centre of the whole Roman Empire brings shivers down one's spine. It is the best way of imagining the splendour and glory of ancient Rome .

Tabularium The remains of the ancient Roman archives, where Cicero and Seneca did research. Visible from the Forum and accessible through the Capitoline Museum .

Circus Maximus The contours of the ancient stadium are still visible in a city park across the Palatine from the Forum. It was in one of the tunnels here that Caligula met his end.

Palatine Hill - right next to the Roman Forum, contains the ruins of several large villas that belonged to wealthy Roman families. You can buy a combined ticket for the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum here, avoiding the long lines at the Colosseum.

Fori Imperiali - Entry €7 (cheaper for EU nationals, free for EU history students). The inside of the fort is very similar to a museum, with a lot of rooms containing items in glass cases. It is a bit of a maze and takes time to orient yourself, but it is worth climbing to very top for a view of the city and the VaticanAs of late June 2007, it is closed for restoration, but you can still see a lot of it from the road.

Museums

The Capitoline Museums, Piazza del Campidoglio 1 - 00186 Roma, lang="ZH-CN" Batang; mso-bidi-font-family: ? 06 82059127 (every day 9.00-19.30) (info.museicapitolini@comune.roma.it, fax: 06 6785488), [13]. Tu-Su 9.00am-8.00pm; Dec 24th, 31st 9.00am-2.00pm (the ticket office closes an hour in advance) Closed on Mondays, 25th Dec, 1st Jan, 1st May. Also contain a good collection of classical art, as well as ancient sculpture, including the famous bronze wolf. The Capitoline piazza, between the two museum buildings - designed by Michelangelo, is beautiful. Explore these museums, then head out the back of the square to the Forum, where you'll find the remains of the Templeof the Vestal Virgins, among many other buildings on the way to the Colosseum. Book tickets online Ordinary €6,50 (+ €1,50 for exhibitions), Concessions €4,50 (+ €1,50 for exhibitions)

Palazzo Massimo, ? 06 39967700. Mo - Sa 9.00-13.30, 14.30 - 17.00. A magnificent collection of ancient Roman sculptures, mosaics and wall paintings, including the famous paintings from the Imperial-era villa discovered under the Villa Farnesina, as well as the bedroom from the Empress Livia's villa at Prima Porta. Located across the piazza from Termini, opposite the Baths of Diocetian. € 7,00.

Galleria Borghese, Piazzale Museo Borghese (Parco di Villa Borghese) 00197 - Roma, ? +39 06 8555952, booking: +39 06 32810 (info.servizimusei@libero.it, fax: +39 06 32651329.), [14]. Tu - Su 9.00 - 19.00 (note: Mandatory exit at the end of allotted 2 hour slot). A small museum that concentrates on the quality rather than the size of its collection. There are some very notable works by Antonio Canova and Gian Lorenzo Bernini here. The number of people admitted is limited to 200 every 2 hours, so make a reservation on-line well in advance for the time slot you want. No cameras are allowed Full €8.50, Concessions €2.00.

Villa Giulia Museum, Piazzale di Villa Giulia, 9, Villa Borghese 00196 - Roma, ? +39 06 3201951, [15]. Everyday 8.30 - 19.30. Closed Jan 1st, Dec 25th. The most extensive collection of Etruscan art and artifacts anywhere, well worth the admission charge. They do, however, make you lock up your camera. A difficult museum to find, but a lovely display in a beautiful villa setting. Full: €4.00 Concessions: €2.00.

Vatican Museums, [16]. Check opening hours from website or signs near the museums. Vatican Museums includes the Sistine Chapel famous for Michelangelo's frescos. Accessing the Sistine Chapel requires walking through many other halls and buildings (including the Raphael's Rooms) and it takes about an hour. Full: €13.00, Concessions: €8.00.

Churches

If you aren't familiar with Roman Catholic churches, take a look inside of any one of these. You'll find the richness and range of decor astonishing, from fine classical art to tacky electric candles. Please note that some churches in Rome deny admission to people who are dressed inappropriately. You will find "fashion police" at Rome 's most visited churches - near the front doors of St Peter's, St Paul Outside the Walls, and often Sta Maria Maggiore and San Giovanni in Laterano. Bare shoulders, short skirts, and shorts are officially not allowed, but long shorts and skirts reaching just above the knee should generally be no problem. However, it's always safer to wear longer pants or skirts that go below the knee; St. Peter's in particular is known for rejecting tourists for uncovered knees, shoulders, midriffs, etc. (You also generally won't be told until right before you enter the church, so you will have made the trek to the Vatican and stood in a long security line for nothing.) The stricter churches usually have vendors just outside selling inexpensive scarves and sometimes plastic pants. Few other churches in Rome enforce dress codes. You can wander into lesser known churches like Sant'Ivo and Sta Maria in Trastevere wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or pretty much anything without problems. It is, however, good to keep one's dress tasteful, as these are still churches and houses of prayer for many people. (Older Romans might comment on attire and perhaps harass you if it is particularly revealing.)

St. Pietro - St Peter's - where the Pope resides. Said to be the finest church on the planet. Long queues for entry, but queuing time is not very long. Strict dress code, entrance is denied if not followed. The basil and tombs of the popes are free. Access to the cupola is €7 using lift, and €4 using stairs. Even with lift, about 350 steps must be climbed.

San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane - a very small and beautiful church, the first design commission of Francesco Borromini.

Sant' Ivo della Sapienza - This little church is hard to find but well worth the extra effort. It is located only a block from Piazza Navona, but not usually visible from the street, as one must enter the courtyard of an old palazzo to reach the church. Sant'Ivo is a small church shaped like the Star of David, with an amazing star-shaped dome and whimsical steeple.

Santa Maria del Popolo - with a couple of paintings by Caravaggio: "The Crucifixion of Saint Peter" and "The Conversion of Saint Paul"

San Luigi dei Francesi - This church is roughly halfway between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. It is most notable for a side chapel which contains three Caravaggio masterworks: "The Calling of St. Matthew", "St. Matthew and the Angel" and "Martyrdom of St. Matthew"

Sant'Agnese in Agone in Piazza Navona - This lovely basilica church is small with an almost circular interior. It is undergoing rehabilitation and the facade and dome are hidden in scaffolding. It seems to be open only until noon.

San Giovanni in Laterano - this is the cathedral church of Rome and first of the major basilicas. It's also the Pope's (as Bishop of Rome) Church. Be sure to check out the fourth century baptistry (still in use) and the medieval cloister.

Santa Maria Maggiore - This ancient basilica crowns the top of the Esquiline Hill. Tons of gold decorate the interior.

San Paolo fuori le Mura - also known as St Paul 's Outside the Walls. This is on the outskirts of Rome in an otherwise drab modern neighborhood. The church is a faithful reconstruction of the ancient basilica which burned down in the early 1800s. Don't miss the medieval cloister, which survived the fire.

S. Passera Even though it isn't worth a trip, this church can be a interesting deviation if you live or pass through its neighbourhood. This church is believed to be the grave of the Saints Ciro and Giovanni, killed during the time of the Emperor Diocletian. The church is now know as Saint Passera because of the several changes its name has undergone. The oringal name was Abba Cyrus and through Appaciro and then Appacero finally it got Pacera, that's very close to today's Passera. The building on top is a 3rd century building still visible in the lower floor and in the underground. The main part of the building dates back to the IX century as the frescoes on the higher floor. Some of th frescoes are too spoiled to be enjoyed, but some of them have recently been restored and depict the Saints Paolo, Pietro, Giovanni Battista and Giovanni Evangelista in the vault and Our Lady together with Jesus, Saints Giacomo and Antonio and the Archangel Michele in the apse. Downstairs there is a small quadrangular room and the underground, where the rest of the two Saints should be. Frescoes in these floor date back to XIV century but are almost completely ruined, but in the underground there are still visible III century traces of Roman age frescoes; in front of the stair you can enjoy a small bird, the Justice, and an athlete while in the vault some eight apex stars. Bus 128,780,781,775 (first stop in Via della Magliana)

San Clemente - a great little cathedral to visit, with an excavated older church below and a pagan temple below that. The only place in Rome to hear the underground river that flows beneath the city. Very close to the Colosseum.

Santa Maria in Trastevere - one of the oldest churches in the city. The nave is lined with a mismatched collection of columns taken from ancient Roman buildings. The apse is covered in gold mosaics from the 13th century, arguably the finest mosaics in the city.

Santa Maria degli Angeli - this church was built inside the former baths of Diocletian. Very light and airy inside. Note the unusual art on the outside doors.

San Pietro in Vincoli - The chains that held St. Peter are displayed in a case before the altar. Also contains a statue of Moses created by Michelangelo. It's close to the Colosseum, but a little hard to find

Santissima Trinità dei Monti - up above the Spanish Steps

Santa Maria in Aracoeli - Ballroom-like church which crowns part of the Capitoline Hill. Don't be fooled by the plain stone exterior

Santa Maria alla Minerva - This church is literally right behind the Pantheon. It is Rome 's only gothic church, and well worth seeing, although its plain square façade makes it look inconspicuous.

Il Gesù - not far from Piazza Venezia. The interior is Baroque art on steroids. Simply astounding.

Sant'Ignazio - Not far from the Pantheon. A stunning example of Baroque art. The ceiling frescoes are especially fine, including a trompe l'oeuil dome.

Capuchin Monastery - On Via Veneto, right by Piazza Barberini. The crypt of the church contains a macabre display - a series of chapels decorated with the bones of thousands of dead monks. The bones are glued to the walls and ceilings in bizarre and striking decorations.

Public squares

Largo di Torre Argentina - an excavation of four roman temples and Pompeys theater. The largo is also home to a large amount of cats which are tended by the local animal rights organization.

Piazza di Trevi - where you can find the famous Fontana di Trevi. It's not a very big piazza and gets very crowded very quickly.

Piazza di Spagna - under the "Spanish Steps"

Piazza Navona - Used to be an ancient stadium built by the emperor Domitian and still retains the shape. The fountains are by Bernini and are very notable. Piazza Pasquino is just round the corner.

Campo de' Fiori - not far from Piazza Navona. Used as a marketplace. In nearby via dei Giubbonari the salumeria Roscioli is worth checking out.

Piazza Pasquino - piazza about 20m from Piazza Navona. There is a statue here named "Pasquino", apparently named after a tailor working nearby who had a reputation for complaining. The statue is now used as a place to hang messages, complaints and other opinions which has to be shared with the world. The piazza is also home to Cul de Sac, one of the best enoteca in Rome .

Piazza del Popolo - with the twin churches

Piazza della Minerva- a small piazza just behind the Pantheon. The centerpiece is a statue of an elephant by Bernini with an ancient obelisk on its back

Piazza delle Coppelle

Piazza di Sant'Ignazio- small and attractive piazza tucked away in a neighborhood near Pantheon

Piazza Montecitorio - where you can find the building of the House or Representatives

Piazza Colonna - where there is the building of the Italian Government, Palazzo Chigi. Also there is a marvelous carved column (hence the name) dating back to Imperial Rome

Piazza Barberini - with Bernini's famous Triton Fountain. Via Veneto starts here too.

Piazza della Rotonda - where you can see the Pantheon

Piazza Venezia- more of an enormous traffic circle than a piazza, but a good central location. The centerpiece is the enormous Vittorio Emmanuale Monument (aka the Wedding Cake) with the Capitoline hill next door. Piazza Venezia is also very close to the Forum

Piazza del Campidoglio - On top of the Capitol hill. It was designed by Michelangelo. The Capitoline Museum is housed in the palaces flanking the piazza. You can walk behind the palaces and to a wonderful viewpoint which overlooks the entire Forum

Historical Buildings

Palazzo Venezia In the very heart of the city center, the building was for centuries ago the seat of the Venice embassy. Today it houses a museum and galleries art.

Palazzo della Cancelleria

Palazzo Farnese

Palazzo della Sapienza - 8, Corso Rinascimento tel 06 686 4987. Bus 70 81, 87, 492. Close to Navona square, this building housed the University of Rome since the middle of the 15th century until 1935. The splendid interior courtyard was created by Giacomo della Porta. The inside church of St Ivo is one of the masterpieces of Architect Borromini.

Palazzo Altemps - 8, Sant' Apollinare street tel.06 6897091. Bus 70, 81, 87, 492. Simple and elegant lines make up this building, whose construction began in 1480 for Count Girolamo Riario, nephew of Papa Sisto IV and was taken up by architect Martino Longhi for the new owner, Cardinal Marco Sittico Altemps.

Palazzo Taverna - Via di Monte Giordano. The building is located in one of the most set-apart corners of the city center among the Navona square and Castel Sant Angelo. It served as residence for the Orsini Family. Nowatdays it is a private property and one can only glance at the courtyard and the inside amazing fountain erected in 1618 by architect Antonio Casoni. However, the brief moment is worth it.

Palazzo Crivelli - Via dei Banchi vecchi, 22 This building also know as the Doll House was built in the 16th century. It is unique for the quantity and quality of the decorations - lions heads, satyrs and disfigured heads that adorn the facade attributed to the sculptor Giulio Mazzoni.

Palazzo Spada Piazza Capo di Ferro - This building was erected in the 16th century by Giulio Merisi Caravaggio for Cardinal Capodiferro. One century later it was acquired by another powerful Cardinal, Bernardino Spada and was restored by Borromini.

Palazzo Barberini

Villa Farnesina This Renaissance house is in Trastevere, very close to the river and not far from the VaticanYou can tour several beautiful rooms covered in frescoes, including some by Raphael.

Others

Castel Sant'Angelo - Perhaps the most fascinating building in Rome The core of the structure began life as the mausoleum of the Emperor Hadrian, built between 135 and 139 AD. Subsequent strongholds built on top of the mausoleum were in turn incorporated into a residence and castle by medieval Popes. The building was used as a prison until 1870, but now houses a museum. Opera buffs will be exhilarated to visit the balcony from which Tosca leaps to her death.

Trastevere

Il Gianicolo

Piramid, at the Piramid metro station.

Walk and feel the energy of the place, sights are everywhere waiting to be discovered. Explore the Trastevere neighbourhood for some great cafes and trattorie, and a glimpse at a hip Roman neighbourhood.

Partying in Rome is a pretty easy thing to do. Given a heart for exploration, Testaccio is the place to wander. Head down there around 11pm and listen for music. The outsides of the clubs will give you NO idea what the insides are like. There are usually loads of people simply walking through the street or looking for parking. Be brave, walk in, meet some wonderful Romans, but never buy them drinks unless you are looking for sex (in this case, better to be sure you are inviting the right person). This area is best in the summer when the dancing moves outside. In the winter, most clubs close.

Tours

Carrani Viaggi, ? 0039 064742501 (nizzi.c@carrani.com), [18]. Tours and excursions of Rome and Surroundings since 1926 in several languages and Tour arround Italy

Visit-Rome.travel (info@visit-rome.travel), [19]. Excursions, tours, sighgtseeings and Attractions in Rome Best Prices guaranted

Dark Rome Tours, ? 0039 3385006424 (info@darkrome.com), [20]. offers group and private tours. They are famous for organizing the official Angels and Demons Tour and some other fun tours.

Siteseeings.com, [21]. sell sightseeings and walking tours in Rome , and from Rome to Naples and Florence

Viator, [22]. - the Latin word for traveler - offers travelers a one-stop shop to plan, research and book Italy vacation with a wide selection of Rome activities and helpful resources like customer reviews, star ratings, suggested itineraries and the Viator Travel Blog

Visit Rome , [23]. - a virtual tour through Rome : WorldFlicks in Rome shows photos of all the highlights of Rome on a map with easy navigation, so you can virtualy travel through the city.

Buy

Main shopping areas include Via del Corso, Via Condotti, and surroundings. The finest designer stores are around Via Condotti, whilst Via del Corso has more affordable clothing. Some brands (like Miss Sixty and Furla) are excellent, some are not as good - be sure to feel garments and try them on. There are great quality shoes and leather bags at prices that compare well to the UK and US, quality for quality. Be aware that clothing bigger than a UK size 16/US 12 isn't always easy to find. Children's clothing can be expensive - basic vests (tank tops) can cost 21 euro in non-designer shops. Summer sales begin around July 15th.

Cheaper stuff can be bought from Via Cola di Rienzo, and from surroundings of Via del Tritone, Campo de'Fiori, and Pantheon. Upim is a good shop for cheap clothing of workable quality.

Lots of fake plastic 'Louis Vuitton' bags on sale from immigrants. Make sure you haggle; unsuspecting tourists pay up to 60euro for them. Be aware, that buying of fake products is criminalized in ItalyFines up to €1000 have been reported. It is possible that having a receipt helps even if the product is fake - this is, however, quite uncertain.

If you need stamps get them at the post or tobacco shops.

Factory Outlets

Castel Romano Near Rome, along the Pontina regional highway, is located a very large Factory Outlet with more than 100 branded shops. Find more on the [24]. A car is needed to reach the place but a 30% in a designer shop surely worths the 20Km trip.

Valmontone A little farer than Castel Romano you can find Valomontone outlet on the motorway toward Napoli just 50 Km far from Roma. The [25] offer all the information about the place.

Nice shops

Frengo's music One of the few CD shops in the center of Rome still run by a music lover instead of a shop assistant in a franchising chain. You can find a nice selection of CDs, DVDs, Console games and Dolby Surround home stereos. Via della lungaretta, 65 - 00153 Roma (Trastevere) - Tel. 06 58 33 24 02'

Archeo Art Not far from the bottom of the Campidoglio steps. This shop sells beautiful reproductions of ancient sculptures; not the tacky kitsch sold by many of the street vendors, but museum quality miniatures that look incredibly close to the real things. Not cheap, but definitely unique and classy souvenirs. Also stocks reproductions of ancient Roman arms and armour, including full centurion outfits! On Via del Teatro di Marcello.

Eat

The Trastevere neighborhood and the old Jewish quarter have some of the best trattorie and ristoranti in Rome .

In Rome you can ask for:

Carciofi alla romana (artichokes, Roman style)

Carciofi alla giudia (artichokes, Jewish style)

Puntarelle (Chicory Salad)

Bucatini alla Amatriciana (a pasta dish)

Spaghetti (or Rigatoni) alla "Carbonara", a sauce made with egg and pancetta (bacon)

Abbacchio alla "scottadito" (lamb chops)

Rigatoni con la "Pajata" (not always available)

Scaloppine alla romana (Veal Sautéed with Fresh Baby Artichokes)

Coda alla "vaccinara" (beef stew)

Cornetti e cappucino (especially cornetti alla nutella--a delicious, sweet pastry filled with nutella!)

Pizza. Lots of the better places only serve pizza in the evening, as it takes most of the day to get the wood oven up to the right temperature. Try some of the fried things like baccala (battered salt cod) for a starter, followed by a pizza for a really Roman meal. For one of the most famous places for pizza, try 'Da Baffetto' (Via del Governo Vecchio). Roman pizzas tend to be very thin crusted.

Avoid the tourist areas where you'll often pay double the going rate just to get a badly reheated frozen pizza. Instead, head for a pizzeria like 'Pizzeria Maratoneta' in via dei Volsci / via del Sardi, San Lorenzo area, where you'll find a fine atmosphere of families and groups of students, and you'll get a good meal with a bottle of local plonk at a very reasonable price. You'll get an English menu, too.

Pizza al Taglio. Pizza by the slice. A good cheap way to get something to fill you up, and it makes a good lunch. Point to the one you want, indicate if you want more or less than your server is indicating with the knife. It's sold by weight (the listed price is usually per 100 gm) and a good quick lunch or snack.

Panini. If you don't speak Italian, the question will always be asked once you've pointed out the sandwich, you want is 'Do you want it toasted?'. If not, you can simply state 'caldo, per favore' (make it hot, please). Please note: singular is panino, and plural is panini. Never say "2 paninis" or "1 panini".

Ice cream. Look for a gelateria with a big plastic sign with a big 'G' on it outside. This means it has a guild association and will be good quality. Remember it costs extra to sit inside. You pay for your ice cream first.take your receipt and go fight your way through the throng to choose your flavors. You will be asked Panna? when it's almost made - this is the offer of whipped cream on top. If you've already paid, this is free.

Kosher - While there is not much choice, at least Rome 's Kosher restaurant is truly excellent. "La Taverne del Ghetto" is in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, steps away from the Colosseum.

Trippa - is tripe. Offal is a roman tradition, e.g. osso buco, bone marrow.

Vegetarians - should have an easy time. Buffets usually have a good range of delicious vegetarian stuff too - eg gratinated roast peppers/aubergines, etc. Vegans should do OK, too. Pizzas don't always have cheese - a Marinara for example, is just tomato, garlic and oregano. Remember, though, that Parmesan cheese is not permitted to vegetarians.

There are a few vegetarian restaurants in Rome 'Arancia Blu' on Via Dei Latini (Via Tiburtina) is posh, overpriced and not that good, but the wine list looks impressive.

Coffee. Starbucks has a lot to answer for. A latte in Italian is just a glass of milk. If you're expecting coffee in that glass, you should ask for a caffe latte. A latte macchiato (meaning "stained") is steamed milk stained with a smaller shot of espresso. "Espresso" or "normale" is just that, but more commonly just referred to as caffe. Espresso doppio means a double shot of espresso, while espresso macchiato is espresso 'marked' with a dab of steamed milk. Americano — the one to order if you like filter coffee — is espresso diluted with hot water and not drunk much by Italians. Cappuccino is well known outside of Italy , but be warned: it is considered very un-classy, and somewhat childish, to order one after 11am (and certainly after a meal). Decaffeinato is self explanatory, but often referred to by the common brand-name Caffe Hag. It is usually instant coffee and not nearly as good as the real thing.

Kosher dining

La Taverne Del Ghetto Meat restaurant. Via Portico d'Ottavia, 8 - tel. 06.688.09.771 www.latavernedelghetto.com

Tea rooms and ice cream

It should say: Produzione Propria (homemade - our own production), Nostra Produzione (our production), Produzione Artigianale (production by craftsmen). These are just a few signs to keep in mind. If the colors seem dull and almost ugly it is probably natural, the bright colors being just a mix. Keep in mind, Italians usually won't queue, but if they are in line for gelato, get in line yourself, you may have hit the jackpot.

Gelateria Giolitti Originally opened in 1800, very popular amongst locals, tourists, and the late Pope John Paul II was known to be a regular customer. Arguably the best ice cream in Rome Via degli Uffici del Vicario 40

Gelateria Salus Very good ice cream (only at the table) in a particularly nice enviroment, prices are mid-range, but the ice cream and service are worth the price. Lungomare Paolo Toscanelli, 117 - 00121 Roma (Ostia) - Tel. 06 976 13 117

Il gelato Nice place to have some weird flavor of ice cream. You'll choose among maybe 50 different and sometime unusual flavors (such as Gorgonzola or Mortadella). Great variety of chocolates and fruits. Closes around at 23:00. Via dell'Aeronautica, 105 - Bus 764 - Metro B Laurentina

Fior di luna Very good ice cream in the heart of Trasterevere. If you are walking in the area, don't miss tasting their wonderful ice cream. Everything is made from Fair Trade products, and all ice cream flavors really taste as you expect! Great sensations here, ice cream artist with passion for taste!. Via della lungaretta 96 - Tel. 0664561314 - Visit [30] to know more about this place.

Bibelot Arthè Cozy tea room in Via Appia nuova. They offer free table games and serve excellent milk and fruit shakes as well as tea and coffee blends. Prices are mid-range to expensive, but the place is very nice and well furnished. It's possible you'll find a queue, perfect for couples. 'Piazza dell'Alberone 13/bis - 347 33 18 178' around at 23:00. Via dell'Aeronautica, 105 - Bus 764 - Metro B Laurentina

Cafè Cafè Cozy and quite cheap, this tea room is very close to the Colosseo, and it's ideal to have nice meeting with friends or a more intimate date. Very good sweets and tea, the choise is also good. Open all day and after dinner. Via dei Santi Quattro,44 - 00184 - Tel. 06 7008743 - cafecaferoma@libero.it

Caffè Novecento Located in the very center of the city this place offers a very good variety of cakes, sweets, coffee and tea. The furnishing are nice, with couches as seats at some tables. Prices are mid-high range but worth every single cent. Closes at 20:00 Via del governo vecchio,12 - Tel. 066865242

Drink

Regional wines are cheaper and very good. House wines are almost always drinkable and inexpensive (unlike, say in the UK ). Most trattorie wouldn't be caught dead serving poor wine. You may often find a bottle of wine on the table for you. Believe it or not, this bottle will be less expensive than a glass would be in the US or UK , possibly only €4 or €5. This doesn't always apply to those places that look really tourist-trap-like! (And why would you want to eat there?)

Water is free at most designated water fountains. Some of these date to ancient times, and the water is still very good. It's fresh spring water and safe to drink. If you carry an empty bottle, fill it up for the rest of the day. Look for the drinking fountain with constant running water, plug the bottom hole, and cool water will shoot up from a smaller hole on top of the tap.

Sleep

If you're arriving in Rome during high season, be sure to book your accommodation at least a couple of days in advance. The area east of Stazione Termini (the side where you find track 1) is full of cheap accommodation for backpackers. If you are staying for a week or more, haggle for a better price or book vacation rentals ahead of arrival, that will save you up to 70% on hotels on a scale of space and location.

Camping; outskirts

There are at least two campsites near Rome , they are:

Camping Tiber on the bank of the river from which it draws it's name is to the north of the city proper. It's at Via Tiberina Km. 1400, Prima Porta, Roma. Tel. 06 33610733, Fax 06 33612314. On Rome 's ringroad, take exit No 6 Via Flaminia, if arriving by public transport, take the ground-level Roma-nord Subway leaving from Piazza Flaminia towards Prima Porta. From there, there's a free shuttle service to the Camp site. There's a minimarket, a pool, a restaurant and a bar.

Happy Valley In the Hills north of the city at Via Prato della Corte 1915, Prima Porta-Cassia Bis, Roma Tel. 06.33626401, Fax 06.33613800. Take exit no 5 from Rome 's ring road and head towards Cassia-Veientana. If you get there by public transport, take the ground-level Roma-nord Subway leaving from Piazza Flaminia towards Prima Porta and wait for the free shuttle bus service. It has a pool, a bar, a restaurant and a minimarket.

Accommodations by the sea

Litus Roma Hostel [31]. Hostel by the sea in Rome is located just in front of the beach in Ostia , the XIII area of Rome .

Hotel Sirenetta [32] Lungo Mare Toscanelli Paolo, 48, Lido Di Ostia (RM), tel. +39 06 56304498

Hotel Ping Pong [33]. Modern three-star hotel.

Budget downtown

Alice in Wonderland b&b, Via Appia Nuova 138, Tel ++393487994231, ++393483393199 [34]. A contemporary boutique bed and breakfast, A/C, Free Wi-Fi access, mini-bar, Cell phone use, travel booking office.

Alessandro Hostels,Alessandro Palace - Via Vicenza 42, +39.06.446.1958 fax +39.06.493.80.534, Alessandro Downtown - Via C. Cattaneo 23, +39.06.443.40.147, Alessandro Indipendzia - Via Curtatone 13, +39.06.44.61.958, [35]. All locations are 5 minutes on foot from Termini, include free breakfast, no curfew, cheap internet, video security, free pizza parties at the Palace pub, and free linens.

Apartment Filippus Spanish Square , Via Casini, [#] This is a 110 square meters apartment, with a terrace, includes two big double bedrooms.

Arena Guest House, Via Marco Aurelio, 37, [36]. “Rome’s trendiest B&B”. Superb low cost accommodation right by the Colosseum, offering free unlimited internet access to guests

B&B Dormire Altrove, Via del Torraccio 223, 00133 Rome (+39) 062031311 [37]. The B&B is located on south/east of Rome , near the Castelli Romani.

B&B Evergreen Italy , Via Milazzo 23, 00185 Roma (+39) 0644363186 [38]. Run by the same people who own the Chaplin Bed and Breakfast, the Evergreen is a new B&B, located between TerminiA hearty breakfast is included. No curfew, no lock-out. Towels and bed linen are included. Daily room cleaning. English, italian spoken.

B&B Little Italy , Via Ferruccio 30, Apt. 27 , 00185 Roma (+39) 348 8037941 [39]. Located between Termini and the Colosseum and Roman Forum area. Run by the same people who own the Chaplin Bed and Breakfast, the Evergreen is a new B&B, located between Termini and the Colosseum and Roman Forum area. A hearty breakfast is included. No curfew, no lock-out. Towels and bed linen are included. Daily room cleaning. English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, danish and Italian spoken. (The Evergreen, above, is not and has never been run by us. Apparently they do not have the right mentality for Wikitravel.)

Bed and Breakfast Chaplin Hostel, Via del Castro Pretorio 28, Apt. 12a , 00185 Roma (+39) 348 8037941. [40]. 2 minutes from the main railway station Termini. The Chaplin is especially convenient for travelers arriving late or leaving early from Rome , due to its close proximity to Rome Termini and the RyanAir bus terminal. (The Evergreen,2 entries above, is not and has never been run by us. Apparently they do not have the right mentality for Wikitravel.)

B&B PiStiK, Via Flavio Stilicone, 00175 Roma (+39) 349 2831309. [41]. PiStiK b&b is in south-east part of Rome, 15 minutes far from city center, just 2 minutes from Lucio Sestio underground station. PiStiK offers you a suitable location to stay. Authorized by A.P.T.

Colors Hostel [42]. On the west side of the city, a few blocks north of the Vatican (take the metro from Termini train station). Guests can make use of kitchen facilities on each floor.

Crazy Holidays B&B, Via Magna Grecia, 103, [43]. Surely one of the lowest priced accommodations in Rome , the Crazy Holidays B&B offers value for money alongside comfort and a welcoming atmosphere in the prestigious zone of San Giovanni, walking distance from the Colosseum and the rest of the historical centre.

Domus Betti B&B, Via Germanico, 85, [44]. Great budget B&B just a stone’s throw away from the Vatican City and St Peter’s. Comfortable, spacious and stylish, the Domus Betti offer excellent value for money.

Freedom Traveller Hostel, Via Gaeta 25, (+39) 06 47823862. [45]. A four-minute walk from the central train station, this hostel has adequate dorms from €23 per night, including free breakfast, internet and dinner. Some dorms also have nice balconies, kitchens and communal areas. No curfew, but lockout is from 11.00 - 15.00.

Gullivers House, Via Palermo 36, (+39)-064817680. [46]. Small co-ed youth hostel. 10 minutes from Termini. Owned by a nice couple who speak fluent English. They'll help you plan your stay in Rome better then any travel agent would. Free breakfast is what you would expect, so not much. Show English-language movies in the evening. Clean. Cute dogs.

Happy Holiday B&B, Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, 26, [47]. Cheap and cheerful B&B accommodation in the San Giovanni district of Rome, near the basilica of the same name and well connected to all parts of the city.

Hotel Caracciolo, Via Cairoli, 86/88, 00185 Tel +39 06.4462983, Fax +39 06.4440102. [48]. A newly renovated hotel a brief walk from train station towards the coliseum. Away from the bustle and a bargain.

Hostel Colosseo. Located close Termini Stationand Colosseo, Esrooms is a Hostel, Bed&Breakfast for low-budget. Rooms Start from 40 eur,internet adsl connection.

Hotel Continentale, Via Palestro, 49, Tel: 064450382[49]. Low cost 2 star hotel just on the edge of town near the spectacular Villa Borghese, offering a warm and friendly atmosphere, a wealth of facilities all at affordable prices for the budget traveller.

Hotel Golden, Via Marche , 84, 00187 tel +39 06.4821659, fax +39 06.4821660. [50]. A hotel with a family atmosphere between Via Veneto and Villa Borghese, just a few steps away from Piazza di Spagna.

Hotel Felice, Via Tiburtina 30, 00185, Tel: +39 06.4453347 Fax: +39 06.4460290, [51]. Just a short walk from Termini Station.

Hotel Mari 2 , Via Calatafimi, 40. 00185 Rome - Ph. +39 06.97603505 Fax +39 06.4828313 [52]. The Hotel Mari 2: near Termini Station and the shuttle terminal with connections to the Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. Twin from €35 doubles from €50.

Hotel Milazzo, Via Milazzo 3, 00185, Tel: +39 06.4452283 Fax: +39 06.4455102, [53]. Hotel Milazzo is located in the heart of Rome with all the fantastic sights and sounds of the city are within easy reach of this hotel, not to mention the wealth of Top fashion designers, Clubs, Pubs and Restaurants all located within walking distance from this hotel.

Hotel Piave, Via Piave 14, 00187, Ph: +39 06.4743447/+39 06.42013741 Fax: +39 06.4873360. [54]. In the historical center of the city, just steps from the Villa Borghese.

Hotel Porta Pia, Via Messina 25, 00198 Roma - Tel/Fax: +39-06.44.24.99.11/24 [55]. Located in the centre of Rome , near to Termini Station, Via Veneto, Villa Borghese and only a few minutes away from the major cultural places. All rooms are provided with bathrooms, showers and hair dryer, fan, telephones, TV.

Hotel Primus Roma, Via Giovanni da Empoli 11-13, 00154, Ph./Fax +39.06.57250515, Ph./Fax +39.06.57250515. [56]. Hotel Primus Roma: in the Testaccio district, which is famous for its embassies and nightspots, near the Roma Ostiense train station and the subway.

Hotel Sonya Suite, via Firenze, 11, 00184, Tel. +39 06 4819911 Fax +39 064885678, [57]. Small hotel located near the Termini train station.

Hotel Viennese, Via Marsala 64, 00185 Roma (+39) 064456357 [58]. Small Hotel in the centre of Rome, from the main railway station Termini. All comforts.

M&J Place Hostel Roma, Via Solferino , 9, (+39) 064462802 (info @ mejplacehostel.com) [59] is within spitting distance of the train station. Friendly staff and reasonable dorms, this popular hostel has a paltry free breakfast but no lockout or curfew.

Pop Inn Hostel Via Marsala 80, 00185, Tel. +39 06 4959887 - Fax +39 06 49383697, [60]

RomeBed Via Emanuele Filiberto, 109 Tel (+39) 3391580615

Yellow Hostel, 44 via Palestro, 00185, telephone: +39 06 49 382 682 ( info @ yellowhostel.com ), [61], dorms from €23 per night.

YWCA Foyer di Roma Youth Hostel is four blocks from Termini on the Via C. Balbo. Rooms are spotless, bathrooms are extremely clean, and towels and linens are changed once a day. Internet for €1 per hour. Fridge on every floor. Continental breakfast included in room rate. €26 per person per night for a bed in a 4-person room. €31 for a double, €47 for a private room. You have to be female to reserve a room; however, men can stay if accompanied by a woman. Via C. Balbo 4, 00184, telephone: +39 06 4880460 (foyer.roma@ywca-ucdg.it).

Stay safe

Rome is generally a safe place, even for women travelling alone. As in any big city, it is better if you don't look like a tourist: don't exhibit your camera or camcorder to all and sundry, and keep your money in a safe place. Termini (the main railway station), Esquilino and bus line 64 (Termini to San Pietro) are not so safe, so take extra care in these areas. Read up on the legends concerning tourist scams. Most of them occur regularly in Rome and you will want to see them coming. Watch out especially for bands of gipsy kids who will crowd you and reach for your pockets under the cover of newspapers or cardboard sheets. One of the best ways to avoid pickpocketing is to wear a money belt (different from a fanny pack, worn under clothes). Remember, if you are pickpocketed or another scam, don't be afraid to shout Aiuto, Ladro! (Help, Thief!). Romans will not be nice to the thief.

Rome is also home to two rival Serie A football clubs, A.S. Roma and S.S. Lazio, and there is a history of conflict, and even rioting, between the two. If you dare to wear anything that supports either of them, especially during the Rome Derby (when the two clubs play each other), make sure you don't wander into supporters of the other club, or you may be subject to heckling or even confrontation. Play it safe and refrain from openly supporting either club unless you are very familiar with the rivalry.

A great deal of pickpocketing and bag- or purse-snatching takes place in crowded locations, but there is very little violent crime. Members of the Italian public are likely to be sympathetic if you are a crime victim. Police are also generally friendly if not always helpful. Carabinieri (black uniform, red striped trousers) are military police, and Polizia (blue and grey uniform) are civilians, but they both do essentially the same thing and are equally good, or bad. A particular scam is when some plainclothes police will approach you, asking to look for "drug money," or ask to see your passport. This is a scam to take your money. You can scare them by asking for their ID. Guardia di Finanza (the grey uniformed ones) do customs work. If you are robbed, try to find a police station and report it. This is essential to establishing a secure travel insurance claim.

Be careful of con-men who may approach you at tourist sights such as the Colosseum or Circus Maximus. Eg. a car may pull up next to you, and the driver ask you for directions to the VaticanHe will strike up a conversation with you while he sits in his car, and tell you he is a sales representative for a large French fashion house. He will then tell you he likes you and he would like to give you a gift of a coat worth several thousand euros. As you reach inside his car to take the bag the coat is in, he will ask you for €200 for gas, as his car is nearly empty. When you refuse, he could turn angry and now demand money from you, any money, of any currency. Don't fall for such confidence-tricks - if something sounds too good to be true, it is.

Another popular trick that occurs at night, when people are leaving the bars/clubs is someone will approach you asking for a cigarette. They will then proceed to walk up towards you and do a funny dance of somesort. As you stare at them trying to figure out whats going on, a second person wil come up from behind and snatch your purse, or wallet.

Currently there are two middle-aged men working near the Spanish Steps. They approach you, asking where you are from and begin to tie bracelets around your wrists. When they are done they will charge you upwards of €20 for each bracelet.

10. Domus Aurea

Via della Domus Aurea

Rome 00184 Italy

+39 6 8530 1756 (Booking)

Open Hours

Visiting hours: 9:40a-6:40p W-M

Overview

After 15 years of restoration work, it is now possible to visit the remaining rooms of this immense palace, said to have been 25 times larger than the Colosseum at the height of Nero's reign. The interior is rich in walls covered with frescos, gold, gemstones, and mother-of-pearl, and ceilings tiled in ivory, with openings for creating a shower of flowers and perfumes. After Nero's death, his successors attempted to eradicate his memory and eliminate every possible trace.

1. Colosseum ("Coliseum")

Piazza del Colosseo

Rome 00184 Italy

+39 6 700 4261 / +39 6 700 5469

Open Hours

9a-7:30p end Mar-end Aug, 9a-7p Sep, 9a-6:30p Oct, 9a-4:30p end Oct-mid Feb, 9a-5p mid Feb-end Mar

Overview

No visit to Rome is complete without having seen its magnificent Colosseum, a vast amphitheatre with seating for 55,000 that was designed as a horse racing circuit and arena for animal fighting and gladiatorial battles. Upon its completion, spectacular 100-day celebrations were organized as part of the opening ceremony in 72 AD. Its name is believed to come from Nero's enormous statue of Colossus that stood close by. The admission charges are about EUR10.

6. Roman Forum

Largo Romolo e Remo

Rome 00186 Italy

+39 066990110

Open Hours

9am-6.30pm Mon-Sat; 9am-1pm Sun. Holiday and winter hours vary

Overview

The Forum was designed to be the centre of social, political and economic life in the city. The innumerable remains include the well-conserved triumphal arch of Emperor Septimius Severus, with reliefs depicting his victories and the base of the Temple of Saturn with its eight columns and their splendid Ionic capitals. The 'Rostrum' is the famous platform from which Mark Antony gave his oration in Shakespeare's play after Julius Caesar's assassination. The platform became the setting for many.

5. Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona

Rome 00186 Italy

Overview

During the Christmas season this square is packed with stalls selling toys, sweets and decorations for the Nativity scene or Christmas tree, making it a favourite spot for children. Its unusual shape recalls the time of Domitian, who built a stadium for equestrian displays here. The Fountain of the Rivers, with the obelisk, and the Fountain of the Moor, with the god of the sea, at the centre of the square, are both by Bernini.

3. Pantheon

Piazza della Rotonda

Rome 00186 Italy

+39 6 6830 0230

Open Hours

9a-7:30p M-Sa, 9a-5:30p Su

Overview

Commissioned by Marcus Agrippa, restored by Domitian, and subsequently rebuilt by Hadrian (who added the dome) before being turned into a church in the early 7th century by Pope Boniface IV. The building's sole source of light is the opening at the dome's apex (the oculus); according to popular legend, this formed the base for the bronze pinecone that is now in the Vatican 's 'Pigna' courtyard, where it is used as a fountain. Many famous Italians are buried in the Pantheon, including Renaissance painter Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele I.

2. Fontana di Trevi

Piazza di Trevi

Rome 00187 Italy

Overview

Tradition has it that throwing a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain guarantees a swift return to the world's most beautiful city. Anita Ekberg's dip in it was immortalized in Fellini's 'La Dolce Vita', and Italian actor Toto even sold it to an American, passing himself off as its owner. Earlier it was the setting for the award-winning "Three Coins in the Fountain" motion picture, ensuring its popularity worldwide. Designed by Nicola Salvi for Pope Clemente XII, it was completed.

4. Piazza di Spagna

Piazza di Spagna

Rome 00187 Italy

+39 6 48 8991 (Tourist Information)

Overview

An incredible, almost theatrical square with the lovely Spanish steps leading up to the Chiesa di Trinità dei MontiOne of the most important fashion shows is held here, the steps being used as a catwalk. It is now an international meeting point. The fountain known as the 'Barcaccia' (boat) was commissioned by Urbano Barberini to commemorate the alliance made with the King of France, whose coat of arms can be seen on Trinità dei Monti. The square leads into.

VATICAN

Mon 10/24/07 (day 6) – Rome & Vatican

Mon 10/25/07 (day 7) – Vatican

Citta del Vaticano

Understand

History

The origin of the Papal States , which over the years have varied considerably in extent, may be traced back to AD 756 with the Donation of Pepin. However the popes were the de facto rulers of Rome and the surrounding province since the fall of the Roman Empire and the retreat of Byzantine power in Italy Popes in their secular role ruled portions of the Italian peninsula for more than a thousand years until the mid 19th century, when many of the Papal States were seized by the newly united Kingdom of Italy. In 1870, the pope's holdings were further circumscribed when Rome itself was annexed.

Disputes between a series of "prisoner" popes and Italy were resolved in 1929 by three Lateran Treaties, which established the independent state of Vatican City and granted Roman Catholicism special status in Italy On 11 February 1929, three treaties were signed with Italy which, among other things, recognized the full sovereignty of the Vatican and established its territorial extent.

In 1984, a concordat between the Holy See and Italy modified certain of the earlier treaty provisions, including the primacy of Roman Catholicism as the Italian state religion.

The pope is elected for life by the College of Cardinals. When the election was last held (Tuesday, April 19, 2005. Benedict XVI), it attracted large crowds. Pope Benedict XVI's predcessor's Pope John Paul II's Inauguration Day (he was never crowned) of 22 October 1978 was also a major event.

Present concerns of the Holy See include interreligious dialogue and reconciliation, and the application of church doctrine in an era of rapid change and globalization. About 1 billion people worldwide profess the Catholic faith.

Terrain

The Vatican sits on a low hill between 19 m and 75 m above sea level. With a boundary only 3.2 km around, the enclosed land area is smaller than some shopping malls. However the buildings are far more historic and architecturally interesting.

Population

Although 1000 people live within Vatican City , many dignitaries, priests, nuns, guards, and 3,000 lay workers live outside the Vatican .

Get in

Vatican City is accessed from the Italian capital city of Rome , by taxi, bus or by foot. Take the Metro line A to Cipro for the Museums, or Ottaviano for St. Peter's, or the tram to Piazza del Risorgimento.

Get around

With a little more than 100 acres (less than half a square kilometer) within its walls, the Vatican is easily traveled by foot; however, most of this area is inaccessible to tourists. The most popular areas open to tourists are the Basilica of St. Peter and the Vatican Museums .

Buy

The Vatican has a unique, noncommercial economy that is supported financially by contributions (known as Peter's Pence) from Roman Catholics throughout the world. It also sells postage stamps, tourist mementos, and publications. Fees for admission to museums also go into church coffers.

The Euro is the official currency of the Vatican City The Vatican Euro is the rarest in circulation among the European countries, so don't spend it! It is worth a lot more than its face value.

The Vatican is the only country in the world where ATM instructions are in Latin.

See

Swiss Guards Corps (Corpo della Guardia Svizzera) Swiss Papal Guards are posted at entrances to the Vatican City to provide security and protect the Pope. They wear very colourful clothing, similar to the clothing of court jesters. Actually, the design is attributed to Michaelangelo or Raphael. The Pontifical Swiss Guards is also the smallest and oldest standing army in the world founded in 1506 by the warrior pope Julius II (the same pope who kick started the construction of this 'new' basilica and making Michaelangelo paint the Sistine Chapel). The origins of the Swiss guards, however, go much further. The popes, as well as a lot of European rulers, regularly imported Swiss mercenaries since the 1400's. Swiss mercenaries were a major export of Switzerland before they started making watches.

St Peter's Basilica

The centre of the Catholic world, this magnificent basilica with its Michelangelo designed dome has an awe-inspiring interior. To get in, you will first go through a metal detector. Don't be put off if there is a long line in front of the detectors, the whole thing moves quickly. This place is huge, but everything is in such proportion that the scale escapes you. To give you a comparison, you can fit the Statue of Liberty, statue and pedestal (height from ground of pedestal to torch: 93m), underneath the dome (interior height of 120m from floor to top of dome) with room to spare.

Aside from going inside, you can take an elevator up to the roof and than make a long climb up 323 steps to the top of the dome for a spectacular view. It costs €6 for the elevator, and allow an hour to go up and down. During the climb and before reaching the very top, you will find yourself standing on the inside of the dome, looking down into the Basilica itself. Be warned that there are a lot of stairs so it is not for the faint at heart (literally or figuratively) nor the claustrophobic as the very last section of the ascent is through a little more than shoulder-width spiral staircase. Instead of leaving out the doors you came in, go down into the crypt to see the tomb of Pope John Paul II, the crypt leaves out the front. Note: A strict dress code is enforced (as in many houses of worship), have shoulders covered, wear trousers or a not-too-short dress. You might be required to check bags at the entrance. Photos are allowed to be taken inside, but not with a flash. The lack of light will probably cause your pictures not to turn out very well, so you may want to buy a few postcards to keep as souvenirs.

The basilica is open daily April to September 9AM-7PM and October to March 9AM-6PM. Daily mass at 8:30AM, 10AM, 11AM, 12PM, & 5PM Monday to Saturday, and Sundays & holidays at 8:30AM, 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 12:10AM, 1PM, 4PM, & 5:30PM. The basilica is closed Wednesday mornings for papal audiences. Free 90 minute tours leave daily from the Tourist Information at 2:15PM, many days also at 3PM. Telephone: 06-6988-1662. €5 audio-guides can be rented from the checkroom. Tours are the only way to see the Vatican Gardens, €12, book at least a day in advance by calling 06-6988-4676, Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday at 10AM, depart from tour desk and finish in St. Peter's Square. To tour the Necropolis and Saint's Tomb, call the excavations office at least a week in advance at 06-6988-5318, €10 for 2 hour tour, office open Monday to Saturday 9AM-5PM.

If you want to see the pope, you can either see a usual blessing from his apartment at noon on Sunday, just show up (but in the summer he gives it from his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, 25 miles from Rome) or you can go to the more formal Wednesday appearance. The pope arrives in the popemobile at 10:30AM to bless crowds from a balcony or platform, except in winter, when he speaks in the Aula Paola VI Auditorium next to the square. You can easily watch from a distance, or get a free ticket, which you must get on the Tuesday before. There are a number of ways:

Your hotelier may be able to book one for you

You could wait in a long line at St. Peter's on Tuesday where the Swiss Guards hand out tickets at their post to the right of the basilica, after 12:00 on Tuesday

You could contact the Santa Susanna Church to get you a ticket, which you pick up there on Tuesday between 5PM & 6:45PM, on Via XX Settembre, Metro stop: Reppublica. Call 06-4201-4554, or go to [1]

Finally, to book a free spot in the square or auditorium, call 06-6988-4631

St. Peter's Piazza

The Piazza di San Pietro is actually an ellipse. There are two stones (one on each side of the square) between the obelisk and the fountains. If you step on either of these stones, the four columns on the colonnades merge into one. The fountains were made by two different architects, Maderno and Bernini.

The obelisk in the middle of the square was transported from Egypt to Rome in 37 A.D. by the Emperor Gaius Caligula to mark the spine of a circus eventually completed by the Emperor Nero. The so-called Circus of Nero was parallel to and to the south of the east-west axis of the current Basilica. It was in this circus that St. Peter was killed in the first official persecutions of Christians undertaken by Nero beginning in 64 A.D. and continuing until his death in 67 A.D. The original location of the obelisk is marked with a plaque located near the sacristy on the south side of the Basilica, where it remained until it was moved in 1586 A.D. by Pope Sixtus V to its present location.

During the Middle Ages, the bronze ball on top of the obelisk was believed to contain the ashes of Julius Caesar. When it was relocated, the present reliquary, the Chigi Star in honor of Pope Alexander VII, was added containing pieces of the True Cross. This is the only obelisk in Rome that never toppled since it was placed in ancient Rome and is the second largest Egyptian obelisk after the Lateran obelisk. This celebrated obelisk nearly shattered while it was being moved. Upon orders of the pope, no one was to speak a word otherwise he would be excommunicated. However, a sailor shouted to water the ropes to prevent them from burning. He was forgiven and in gratitude for saving the day, the palms for Palm Sunday still come from the sailor's home town of Bordighera The moving of this obelisk was celebrated in engravings during its time to commemorate the Renaissance's recovery and mastery of ancient knowledge.

The Vatican Museum

One of the greatest art galleries in Europe, the museum is most famous for its spiral staircase, the Raphael Rooms and the exquisitely decorated Sistine Chapel. It's organized so you follow a one-way route. €12, open March to October Monday to Friday 8:45AM-4:45PM, Saturday 8:45AM-1:45PM, November to February Monday to Saturday 8:45AM-1:45PM, closed Sunday except last Sunday of the month, when its free, crowded, and open 8:45AM-1:45PM. Last entry 90 minutes before closing time, Sistine Chapel closes before rest of museum does. The museum is closed on the following dates for holidays: January 1 & 6, February 11, March 19, April 8 & 9, May 1 & 17, June 15 & 29, August 15 and either 14 or 16, November 1, and December 8, 25, & 26.

The Museum is usually the most hot & crowded Saturday, Monday, the last Sunday of the month, rainy days, and days before or after a holiday. Dress code: no short shorts or bare shoulders. Telephone: 06-6988-4947. There are often lengthy lines from the entrance that stretch around the block in the early morning. 2 hour English tours cost €21.50 and includes museum admission, and leave at 10:30AM, 12PM, & 2PM in summer, 10:30AM & 11:15AM in winter. To reserve, fax 06-6988-4019 up to 15 days in advance, include name, return fax number, names of those in your party, children's ages, language, and several date options. With a booking you skip the line and enter through the exit, next to entry, to go to the guided tours desk. There are also audio-guides available from the top of the escalator/ramp for €6. Tip: These audioguides contain an audio jack meaning that you can plug in a standard set of earphones; this enables two people to share a single unit.

Guidebooks such as Rick Steves, Lonely Planet, Let's Go, etc provide a valid starting point for planning your time at the Vatican The two main entrances to Vatican City for tourists are A) the Vatican Museums, accessible from Viale Vaticano on the North side of the city state and B) St. Peter's Basilica, on the Southeast side of the city and accessible from Via della Conciliazione. While St. Peter's Basilica is open all day long, the Vatican Museum entrance does close at 3:30PM on weekdays and 12:20PM on Saturdays, so it is a good idea to first visit the museums and then the church.

It is a common misconception that by arriving at the Vatican Museums early one can avoid waiting in line. In fact, the opposite is true. Lines are at their worst in the early hours and taper off by about 11:30AM or 12PM when often times one can simply walk right in. Having said that, since the Vatican museum closes early (4:30PM) and is huge, it is best to go in early.

While guidebooks do their best to provide an aid for viewing the collections inside the Vatican , a guided tour is a far better way to make sure you get the most out of your visit.

style="Tours

Official tours Guided tours are provided by the Vatican itself for the cost of 23.50 Euro. These must be requested in advance by fax from one month to one week before the requested tour date. The Vatican is notorious for failing to reply via fax, and repeat requests are often necessary. Full details on booking such tours are available at [2]

When In Rome Tours The Vatican Tours offered by When in Rome Tours are among the best in the city. Their guides are scholars with profound knowledge of art history and religion, and their tour to the Vatican is highly recommended. Vatican tours start at 25 Euro per person, entrance fees not included [3].

MyVaticanTour.com - Vatican City Tour Officially licensed tour operator, authorized by the Vatican to skip waiting in the long line (which can last up to two hours!) to enter the Vatican Museums [4].

Viator - the Latin word for traveler - offers travelers a one-stop shop to plan, research and book Rome activities with a selection of Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tours with helpful resources like customer reviews, star ratings, suggested itineraries and the Viator Travel Blog. [5].

Eat and Drink

The Vatican Museums have a reasonable cafeteria style restaurant, a bar, and a pizzeria, all of which are open during museum opening hours, and until about one hour after closing. See also Rome .

Sleep

Unless you count the Pope as a good friend, there are no lodging opportunities in the Vatican City itself. However, there are many hotels in the surrounding Vaticano district of Rome.

Respect

Since Vatican City is a Papal state, such respect and reverence to the Roman Catholic Church and it's practices and doctrine is encouraged.

On an important note, sleeveless shirts and short pants or skirts are not permitted within the border of the Vatican .

9. The Vatican

Vatican City

Rome Italy

Overview

The Vatican is among the most important historical sites in the world. The seat of the Holy Roman Catholic Church, The Vatican is also the home of the Pope. As the smallest state in the world, the Vatican has figured in key events throughout history. Occupying about one half kilometer of Rome , The Vatican is further significant because of its fabulous architecture, religious, and artistic treasures. It was Pope Julius II della Rovere in the 16th century who commissioned Michelangelo to paint.

8. Musei Vaticani (Vatican Museums)

Viale Vaticano

Rome Italy

+39 0669883333

Open Hours

8.45am-3.45pm Mon-Fri; 8.45am-12.45pm Sat

Overview

This unique art collection is exhibited in surroundings of unparalleled beauty. The magnificent Raphael Rooms are among the masterpieces of the collection, where each room is decorated with frescoes by great artists. The best known is The School of Athens, in which contemporary artists appear as classical characters (Leonardo da Vinci, for example, appears as Plato). The Sistine Chapel is the museum's finest treasure, and features Michelangelo's famous Last Judgement. He was.

SIENA

Mon 10/26/07 (day 8) – Siena & Florence

Siena

Understand

Siena was a proud, wealthy, and warlike independent state during the Middle Ages, until its final defeat by Florence Medieval Sienese art (painting, sculpture, architecture, etc.) is unique and of historical importance. Sienese people are fiercely proud of their city and their neighborhood (contrada). The Palio, described below, is all about neighborhood pride and rivalry, and also constitutes the unbroken continuation of a Medieval tradition associated with religion, pageantry, trash-talking, bragging, and occasional violence. It is taken very seriously and is in no way a put-on for tourists; in fact, you are likely to be less welcomed during the Palio than at any other time, and there isn't the slightest doubt that Siena would run the Palio with great enthusiasm regardless of whether any visitors ever showed up. That said, this is a city which depends and flourishes on tourism. Siena was a very poor little city for a few hundred years after its defeat, which is the main reason that its lovely Medieval buildings were never torn down and replaced with modern structures. In the 19th century, tourists started coming. Nowadays, it is a requirement that new buildings within the city walls be built to look Medieval, so as to maintain the city's character and beauty.

Get around

The historical centre of Siena 's medieval city is accessible only on foot. Cars are strictly prohibited. There is a small bus (Pollicino) run by the TRA-IN company that covers some streets located in the centre. Outside the main city walls in the primary tourist areas can be found various parking areas. For more information, contact "Siena Parcheggi" tel. 0577-228711. To call or reserve a taxi: telephone the Central Reservation Office at 0577-49222.

Siena may be the only city in Mediterranean Europe where parking is not a massive headache. Unfortunately, the pay lots have increased dramatically in the past few years and you can expect to pay 40,00 or more per day. If you don't mind a walk, however, you can park for free on in the back part of the Fortezza. Farther out there is free parking, with minibus service, from Due Ponti and Coroncina (beyond Porta Romana).

Siena is a city (a small city, yes, but it isn't like one of the hill towns) and the attractions away from the Piazza/Duomo area are a bit spread out. It is built on three steep hills. There is a minibus (pollicini) service, but it never runs from where you are to where you want to go. Hard walking is almost a necessity. You will understand why Italians can eat so much, and not get fat, when you see old women carrying groceries up a long street with a 30-degree incline. If you are tired, check to see if you can get to your destination by walking along a ridge, rather than going in a straight line down a hill and back up.

See

The Piazza del Campo, the unique sectioned piazza which constitutes the center of the city and turns into a racetrack during the Palio (q.v.).

The Palazzo Pubblico, which has seen centuries of continuous functioning as Siena's City Hall, and the museum inside, which notably contains the famous frescos on good and bad government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, the original of the Fonte Gaia (the fountain by Jacopo della Quercia which was originally on the Piazza del Campo and is now replaced there by a replica), and access to the Torre di Mangia, from whose top you can view a beautiful panorama of the Sienese countryside.

The Duomo, Siena 's magnificent Italian Romanesque cathedral including the Libreria Piccolomini (separate admission charge), Baptistery (separate entrance and charge), and an attached Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (separate entrance and charge) [2] (website only in Italian) which includes the famous Maestà by Duccio. After you've seen all the art, you can also treat yourself to a beautiful panorama from a high point in the museum. The right side of the Duomo is presently covered with scaffolding and cannot be seen as the outside of the building is being cleaned (it is only a minor distraction). Cleaning of the front facade is now complete and looks spectacularly improved.

The Pinacoteca, which is full of Sienese paintings from the city's Medieval heyday.

The Palazzo Salimbeni, built in 1472, is the world headquarters of Monte dei Paschi di Siena , the major banking corporation which has a hand in much of the economic and cultural life of the city. The building itself is well worth looking at from the outside. Inside, there are interesting documents showing the history of banking, plus a collection of paintings and other artwork, but you would have to request permission in advance if you'd like to have a chance to view them.

2Be In Siena [3] Phone +39 334 9363253 mail: info@2beinsiena.com Incoming tour operator, offers wine tours and sightseeing tours for Siena and Florence Transfers, ballooning, horseback riding, trekking and mountain bike.

Take a tour of an Etruscan tomb, visit a winery for a wine tasting, sample regional food, and visit a local village. There are many of these tours available and Tours by Roberto was a very enjoyable and educational experience. Roberto is very passionate about the history of the region, the food and the wines of Siena He will pick you up and drop you off directly at the hotel.

Events

Palio Horse Race - a horse race like nowhere else, between the quarters of Siena , is run in the central square of Siena on July 2 and August 16. The Sienese are all affiliated with one of the seventeen contrada (plural contrade), to which a typical Sienese feels loyal with a strength perhaps surpassed only by their loyalty to their family. Since the 11th century, the Sienese have conducted two festivals every year where the city's contrade compete for renown (and in times gone by, actual political power) through contests such as flag throwing, horse racing and even fist fights. The fist fights no longer happen (a heavy police presence in the weeks prior to the contest sees to that), but the spirit of competition between contrade is still fierce. See more on the Palio at Palio di Siena.

Classical concerts during the summer at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana, and at various locations in the city during the Settimana Musicale Senese. [4]

Siena Jazz Festival [5] during summer.

Shop

Siena is large enough still to have items made in the local area, stemming from its history of craftmanship, so you will find some items not readily available anywhere else. Fine paper, neckties, fabrics, embroidery/tapestry, glazed terracotta, gold jewelry, and of course local food and wine, are some of the distinctive items produced locally.

Olive Oil [6], - if you have a car then drive out to the Montestigliano Olive estate, perched high on a hill surrounded by olive trees. You can taste and buy their single estate, extra virgin olive oil (as well as a few other goodies) to take with you or have shipped. There is also a lovely courtyard where you can sit and enjoy a glass of wine and admire the view.

Eat

Excellent gelato can be found just off the Campo at a gelateria called "Brivido".

For something more substantial, "La Chiacchiera" is an excellent source of typical Tuscan cuisine; the pici (thick, homemade noodles) are superb.

Also excellent is "La Torre", the restaurant of the contrada of the same name.

Sienese specialties include:

Panforte - a unique kind of dense cake, made of honey, flour, almonds, candied fruits, a secret blend of spices, etc. Tipo Margherita is the classic, but several other types are made. Panforte is commercially manufactured only in Siena and neighboring Monteriggioni, its loyal ally in its medieval wars with Florence The most famous brand of panforte is Sapori. You can buy panforte most cheaply in local supermarkets, but don't miss a trip to Nannini on Banchi di Sopra, a pleasant caffé where you can buy not only the panforte they make but also many other types of unusual pastries and so forth.

Ricciarelli - almond paste cookies.

"Il Biondes" has the absolute best risotto and phenomenal service; be sure to try the mushroom risotto, seafood risotto, and the to-die-for lasagna!

Guidoriccio -- you'll be treated to a wonderful dinner by a patient and kind owner. There are several options for primi and secondi, but the best is the Pici pasta with pomodoro sauce. The location is beautiful, as you dine just off the Piazza, in an underground wine cellar.

Sleep

Camping

Camping Siena Colleverde Strada di Scacciapensieri 47, tel. +39 0577 280044, fax +39 0577 281041, is situated to the east at about 3 km from the city centre and up the hill from the rail station. It is quite a large campsite and has all the facilities and a swimming pool. It can be reached by taking bus 8 from the city centre and asking to be let off at camping Colleverde (the stop itself is actually quite near the entrance to the site). Alternatively you could walk though it's quite strenuous to do so.

Budget

Piccolo Hotel Il Palio [7] Cheap but not very well kept 2 star hotel within the city-walls from 60€ (2007) easy to reach by foot from the station.

Agriturismo Monaciano [8] Tuscany self catering accommodations into the Chinti hills just 7 km. from Siena with swimming pool, ping-pong and a romantic park. Monaciano has many farmhouses that may comfortably accommodates large families or large group of friends.

Ostello del Chianti (Chianti youth hostel), Via Roma, 137 50028 Tavarnelle Val di Pesa FI, tel. +390558050265 fax. +390558065039 [9] is a clean, comfortable and friendly hostel very convenientely situated right in the heart of Tuscany, within easy reach of Florence, Siena, Sangimignano and the renowned Chianti area. Doubles €31, ensuite €40, dorms €14.

Casa Gigliola [10] - holiday rental apartment near Siena - beautiful apartment for 6 people near the Abbey of San Galgano. Private garden, terrace, excellent location in a very green area of Monticiano. Inexpensive and comfortable.

Casina di Rosa [11] holiday rental home in medieval hilltop village south of Siena , can accommodate up to 3 people.

The Relais dell’ Ussero [12] at the Villa di Corliano or at the Ussero Palace are two historical fifteenth century mansions. Villa di Corliano it is very conveniently located only 2 Km along the road from the health spa of San Giuliano Terme ( Pisa) and Ussero Palace is in the historical centre of Pisa Both are near the cities of Lucca and Livorno (a 15 minute drive to both). Florence is only an hour away and Siena an hour and a half.

1. Piazza del Campo

Il cuore della città

Siena 53100 Italy

Overview

This is really the heart and soul of the city, where everything happened and continues to happen. The magnificent architecture of the square, architecture that has been decorated and modified, but never altered in nature over the centuries, has grown from humble beginnings. The nine stone bands in the square commemorate the successful government 'dei Nove' (Nine). Twice a year, the outer section of the square is covered with earth so the Palio, a bareback horse race, can be run.

8. Museo Archeologico

Spedale di Santa Maria Della Scala

Siena 53100 Italy

+39 577 4 9153

Open Hours

Mar-Oct: Daily 10a-6p; Nov-Feb: Daily 10:30a-4:30p

Overview

Transferred from its original home on the ground floor of the Sapienza, today the museum is located in the Spedale di Santa Maria della Scala. It has some prehistoric collections, the Etruscan and the Roman eras which illustrate the development of civilisation in the Siena-Chiusi area. Private collections were subsequently added including those of Chigi Zondadari and Bonci Casuccini which are particularly interesting. Admission: EUR 5, booking is possible.

6. Santissima Annunziata

Piazza del Duomo

Siena 53100 Italy

Overview

This is the church of Santa Maria della Scala, built on the foundations of a pre-existing medieval church. Built in the thirteenth century, it has a typical, Gothic interior and was renovated in the fifteenth century, preserving a bronze statue on the main altar showing the revival of Christ by Vecchietta in 1476, inspired by the school of Donatello There is one nave with an elevated presbytery.

10. Battistero di San Giovanni

Piazza San Giovanni

Siena 53100 Italy

Open Hours

9:30a-7p Mar-Oct, 9:30a-6p Nov-Feb

Overview

The baptistery itself dates from the end of the 14th century though the oldest section of the building was begun at least 50 years earlier. The façade covers a good part of the apse of the Duomo on the right side. It has three naves and the font was designed by Jacopo della Quercia with possible - though unconfirmed - contributions from Donatello and Ghiberti. Closed at Christmas and New Year.

5. Palazzo Pubblico

Piazza del Campo

Siena 53100 Italy

+39 577 29 2226

Open Hours

10a-6:30p Nov-Mar, 10p-7p Apr-Oct

Overview

This has been an ongoing work par excellence. It was begun at the start of the 14th century but additions have been made almost up until the present day. In addition, while some parts were being added, others were being restored. It is therefore a miracle that the unique Gothic lines of the stone and brick building have not been lost in the process. The Civic Museum inside holds the "Majesty" by Simone Martini. The Sala della Pace (Room of Peace) is the location of the "Allegory of Government.

FLORENCE

Mon 10/26/07 (day 8) – Siena & Florence

Mon 10/27/07 (day 9) – Florence & Bologna

Florence

Understand

Florence was very much the epicentre of the Italian Renaissance and remains one of the world's top attractions for lovers of art--as such, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Located in the heart of Tuscany , a stunning province of hills and mountains, the Renaissance capital of the world, with famous sons like Leonardo, Dante, Machiavelli and Michelangelo, is a sight not to be missed. The world-famous Duomo with the Brunelleschi cupola and the marble clad baptistry are simply stupendous, but not all the monuments are like this. The streets of the historic town centre are often narrow and dark, the palaces robust and intimidating. But have a look at the squares - wonderful Mediterranean places where you will like spending hours sitting down, having a coffee and just watching people passing by.

However, Florence is a city of incomparable pleasure concerning churches, monasteries, museums, galleries and palaces. Among the things you can't afford to miss are the Uffizi Galleries, one of the best art museums in the world, the Duomo, the Santo Spirito church and the Ponte Vecchio. To get a great overview of the city, you have plenty of choices: climb the "Cupolone" of the Duomo or the Giotto Tower , head for Piazzale Michelangelo in Oltrarno (other side of river Arno) or farther up to the church of San Miniato .

Get around

Most of the major tourist sights in Florence are within easy walking distance of each other. Walking is not only an easy way to get around, it also offers the chance to 'take in' much more of the city life.

Much of the town centre is blocked off to cars and anyway moving around in the city centre by car is definitely useless and not advised. Parking is also almost impossible in the city centre. A car can be useful only to reach some destinations just outside the city centre, like Fiesole or Settignano, which are however also connected by bus service. Be advised that at many tourist destinations parking can be difficult and at least expensive. Firenze and surroundings were not built for cars. Motor-bikes and bicycles are common; pay attention to them since they tend to behave in an apparently disorganised but efficient way, which can put the unsuspecting car driver into trouble.

Some of the hotels actually provide their guest with free bicycles as well. There is also a bike rental service organised by the city. Bikes can be hired at several points in the city (and returned to the same place), among which the most convenient for tourists is located at SMN station (other locations are at all railway stations, but often with restricted opening hours). Bike shops also rent bikes and some of them organise guided bike tours in the countryside.

Taxis are available, but it's best if you have your hotel or the restaurant you are eating at call ahead. Taxis can be called by phone and the nearest is sent to you through the company's radio system. There is apparently a waiting list, so it is difficult and uncommon to flag them down on the street.

Walking Tour, Via dei Cimatori 9/r angolo Piazza de' Cerchi, lang="ZH-CN" Batang; mso-bidi-font-family: ? +39 055 215358 (tour@audioguide.it). from=9:00 a.m. to 18:00 every day. One and a half hours of audio, walking through the centre of Florence , on your own, browsing along streets, piazzas and shops, accompanied every step of the way by AudioGuide. With AudioGuide, discover a Florencethat others can’t show you. Price 12 €.

See

Museums

The Uffizi is the most famous, but Florence also has other amazing museums a short walk away with world class artistic treasures.

The Galleria degli Uffizi - Piazzale degli Uffizi, 50122. lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: Tel. 055 294883. [10] Tu-Sun, 8.15 am - 6.35 pm. Justly one of the world's most famous fine art museums. The collections of Renaissance paintings and sculptures from classical antiquity are superb. Included is The Birth of Venus by Sandro Boticelli. There are often long lines (several hours' wait is not uncommon) since even before the doors are open. Useful tip: you can call and make a reservation in advance and walk right in, or buy reserved tickets at the door. This is strongly recommended. The restaurant/caffè has a large balcony overlooking the main piazza with good views of the Palazzo Vecchio. It is a great place to take a break for art lovers making a non-rushed visit to this fantastic collection. This cafe is rather expensive however. Street performers are often seen outside the Uffizi. Admission €10.00 (advance booking: €3).

Bargello. Officially The National Museum of the Bargello, this museum houses one of the best examples of Renaissance and Mannerist sculpture. The works of many great Renaissance sculpters are on display here, including Michelangelo, Donatello, Ammannati, Bandinelli, Andrea and Jacopo Sansovino, Desiderio da Settignano, Giambologna, and Antonio Rossellino. The museum is located near Piazza della Signoria and can be seen in a few hours. Admission is €4.

Accademia. More sculpture, highlights are Michelangelo's David and the unfinished Slaves. The David was recently cleaned in a controversial project. No photography is allowed inside. Wait times can be under one hour in the off-season. It is possible to reserve at the academia in advance and save yourself the long line. Admission is €6.50 (advance booking: €3).

Pitti Palace On the quieter south bank of the ArnoThe former Medici family palace contains galleries of their art and treasures. The Boboli gardens behind the palazzo offer wonderful walks and excellent views of the city and the countryside south of the city.

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo - the Cathedral Museum, with artworks formerly in the Duomo and surrounding religious buildings, including sculptures by Donatello and the losing entries in the contest to design the doors of the Baptistery. Models and drawings of the Cathedral. Worthy.

Institute and Museum of the History of Science [11]. This museum shows the evolution of the instruments used in various scientific fields such as Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy. The room of Galileo Galilei shows some of his original instruments as well as models from his drawings. The room of Spheres and Globes houses an excellent cartographic collection.

For those making longer stays in Florence , the city also has an interesting archaeological museum (the Etruscan art collection is particularly good), a Contemporary Art gallery, and other collections.

Other sights

American Cemetery of Florence : Arlington-like United States WWII military cemetery. Expansive and beautiful, 6,000 United States soliders laid to rest, fallen in the campaign to liberate Italy from fascism. 20 minute bus ride from the Sita Station, just ask agent (get a return ticket) no cost to enter.

In the old town center:

Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo di Firenze is the city's beautiful cathedral, the symbol of the city. Brunelleschi's huge dome was an engineering feat of the rennaissance. A statue of Brunelleschi is sited in the piazza, with his figure looking upwards towards his dome.

Giotto's Tower - adjacent to the Duomo, you can climb the tower for a magnificent 360-degree view of the Duomo, Florence, and the surrounding area.€6 entrance fee, and requires some tenacity to climb 414 steps.

Baptistery famous for the Paradise door and beautiful interior.

Palazzo Vecchio - old city palace/city hall, adorned with fine art. The replica of Michelangelo's "David" is placed outside the main door in the original location of the statue, which is a symbol of the Comune of Florence.

Ponte Vecchio the oldest and most famous bridge over the Arno ; the only Florentine bridge to survive WW2. The Ponte Vecchio (literally "old bridge") is lined with shops, traditionally mostly jewellers since the days of the Medici. Vasari's elevated walkway crosses the Arno over the Ponte Vecchio, connecting the Uffizi to the old Medici palace.

Santa Croce church contains the monumental tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Dante, and many other notables in addition to artistic decorations. There is also great artwork in the church. And when you're done seeing that, a separate charge will gain you admission to the Museo dell'Opera di Santa Croce, where you can see a flood-damaged but still beautiful Crucifix by Cimabue (Giotto's teacher), which has become both the symbol of the flooding of Firenze in 1966 and of its recovery from that disaster. The Pazzi Chapel, a perfectly symmetrical example of sublime neo-Classic Renaissance architecture is also worth visiting.

Santa Maria Novella, near the train station, is a beautiful church and contains great artwork, including a recently restored Trinity by Masaccio. Also, the Chiostre Verde, to your left when facing the front entrance of the church, contains frescos by Paolo Uccello which are quite unusual in style and well worth seeing, if the separate entrance is open. Off of the church's cloister is the wonderful Spanish Chapel which is covered in early Renaissance frescoes.

Orsanmichele the beautiful old church of the Medici, converted from it's original purpose as a grainery.

San Lorenzo the facade of this church was never completed, giving it a striking, rustic appearence. Inside the church is pure Renaissance neo-classical splendor. If you go around the back of the church, there is a separate entrance to the Medici chapels. Be sure to check out the stunning burial chapel of the princes and the sacristy down the corridor. The small sacristy is blessed with the presence of nine Michelangelo sculptures.

San Marco Convent (1436) houses frescoes by Fra Angelico and Fra Bartolomeo in a series of dormitory cells in which the Dominican monks lived.

On the south bank of the Arno :

Boboli Gardens , elaborately landscaped and with many interesting sculptures, behind the Pitti Palace Wonderful city views.

Santa Maria del Carmine has famous frescos (Masaccio’s Adam and Eve Banished From the Garden and others by Lippi and Masolino) in the Brancacci Chapel

Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo square) plaza on a hilltop with a great view of the city (go there by bus) or climb the stairs and paths from the Lungarno della Zecca.

San Miniato al Monte, uphill from Piazzale Michelangelo, contains a chapel with frescoes by Spinello Aretino. On the cemetry near this church there are graves of famous people of Florence , including Carlo Lorenzi (Collodi) - author of the famous Pinocchio.

Santa Trinita, on the Oltrarno side of the Ponte Vecchio, contains frescos by the brilliant and weird mannerist painter, Pontormo, which are to your immediate right when entering.

See art, eat, drink, see more art, hear music, shop, take a day trip into the Tuscan countryside, people watch, climb to the top of the Duomo or Campanile, see more art, eagerly plan for your return visit.

Take a stroll in the Boboli gardens, stop in the hilltop cafe, grab a drink and a seat outside and enjoy the view!

Go to the "Piazzale Michelangelo" and enjoy the really nice view. It's a big square on hill, but somewhat distant from the traditional tourist sites. It's easy to reach it even on foot using the stairs called "Rampe di San Niccolò". They are on the side of the Arno river just in front of the national library. Do this thing during the summer and during the night to admire Florence 's lights.

Get a bike and get out of FirenzeThere are magnificent places to ride around the city. Unfortunately, the landscape of the places worth a ride are usually hilly or even mountainous, therefore you need a little of training and stamina most of the times (but effort is not always strenuous and if the road goes too much uphill, you can take it easy or even dismount).

Best destinations are in the Chianti area, where you can fully enjoy the hills and the elegance of the landscape surrounding you, which has been taken care of endlessly through centuries. Strong scents can be enjoyed in Spring. The warm temperatures and usually stable weather in the good seasons can make the ride even more enjoyable.

If you feel more energetic, ascents to Vallombrosa from Pontassieve through Tosi can be very enjoyable. You start from the Arno river plain and you end up in a thick, shady, fresh forest. In all cases, avoid the hottest hours in Summer and be aware of the traffic, which can be heavy and not cyclist-savvy, until you get in secondary or less populated roads.

Buy

Souvenirs related to art and Florence 's sights can be found everywhere. Shops that are not located in the very centre of the city are significantly cheaper.

Books, leather goods, art handcrafted journals, frames, pencils etc. in that gorgeous Florentine paper with swirls of color and gold.

Beware: If the police catch you buying a knock-off version of something with a brand from a street vendor, you can be fined up to €10,000. You'll see plenty of people on the street selling imitation Gucci sunglasses, Rolex watches, and Prada purses for dirt cheap. It's okay if the item doesn't have a real brand on it, but buying a knock-off is illegal.

Madova, 1R Via Guicciardini, ? +39 055 239 6526, [12]. A classic for Italian gloves.

Eat

Remember that restaurants have separate prices for food to go or eaten standing up versus sit down service; don't try to sit at a table after paying for food or coffee from the restaurant's to go booth. Also ask always beforehand for the price if you want to sit at a table. Otherwise you might be uncomfortably surprised. Cappuccino al banco i.e. standing up might cost €1-3; but at a table €4.

Florence 's food can be as much of a treat to the palate as the art is a treat to the eye! There is good food for any price range, from fine restaurants to take out food from window stands. The best price/quality ratio you will find outside the historical center where normal Italians go to eat. The worst ratio is probably in the neighbourhood of Mercato di San Lorenzo where there are a lot of tourist restaurants, while many of the best restaurants in the city are found in the Santa Croce district.

Typical Tuscan courses include Bistecca alla fiorentina which is huge t-bone steak weighing from 500 to 900 grams. It has always price given per 100 grams e.g. 3,5€ etto (etto is "hecto" pronounced in Italian). Crostini toscani are crostini with tuscan liver paté.

There are many gelato (Italian ice cream) stands; some connoisseurs consider the better Florentine gelato the finest in the world. Many times gelato is made in the bar where you buy it. Because of this there are many exotic tastes of ice cream like watermelon, spumante or garlic.

Tuscany is also the wellspring of cantuccini, also called biscotti di Prato (Please note that in Italian, the singular of biscotti is un biscotto.) It's traditional to enjoy them after a meal by dipping them in Vin Santo ("Holy Wine"), a concentrated wine made from late-harvested grapes, but you can also buy bags of them in stores throughout the city and eat them however you like.

A general rule: the closer you are to the historic old town, the higher the price.

Drink

Tap water is obviously safe and the taste is now good enough (it got really nasty right after the flooding and stayed so for many years), but those who still prefer bottled water will find it plentiful. Sample the excellent wines of the region.

Sleep

As elsewhere the price of hotels in Florence has been climbing quickly in the last few years. The golden rule here is if you want something cheap you'll have to stay outside of the historic center. The area around the train station is cheaper, but not as safe, especially for women travelers at night. If you are looking at big chain hotels you should be aware that they are usually quite a ways out indeed, the Novotel for instance is almost at the airport.

Certain hotels, particularly those oriented toward business travelers offer special reduced rates during the weekend (eg. Starhotel Michelangelo) or during slow weeks like Baglioni. Sometimes you can also get a substantial discount by reserving online. In the train station there is a tourist information office which also offers hotel reservations; you can often get good deals through them at the very last minute, but it's not guaranteed.

Budget

There are quite a number of one or two-star alberghi within a short distance of the station. Young women can find accommodation with certain convents at very low prices, and usually in historic locations. On the other hand, you'll have to forget about any late-night Tuscan crazyness.

Camping

Camping Michelangelo has a scenic location on the hillside close to Piazza Michelangelo. Usually it is very crowded. It has "house tents" available, which are tents for two people with bunk beds inside.

Hostel

Hostel Archi Rossi - Via Faenza , 94r. Tel. 055 290804 - Fax. 055.2302601 [16] - Never mind the renaissance-kitsch walls. This hostel is close to the SM Novella train station and not far from the city's main attractions. More importantly: rooms are clean and rates include breakfast and round the clock internet access. Rates from €18 (dorm)

Hostel dei 7 Santi - Viale Dei Mille, 11 Tel. 055.5048452 - Fax 055.5057085 [17] - A recently converted 19th century convent in the Campo di Marte area, 10 min from the center by bus. Rooms are clean and quiet - no earplugs necessary! Rooms start at €15 (dorm)

Bed and Breakfast

B&B Ricci Historic centre Just 50 meters from Duomo

Accademia House bed & breakfast of florence, Via san gallo 61, lang="ZH-CN" Batang; mso-bidi-font-family: ? +39 055 484879 (fax: +39 055 484879). In the heart of the historical centre of Florence, on the first floor of a 1.500 D.C. building

Alloro B&B (info@allorobb.it), [18]. The Alloro bed and breakfast in Florence is located in the city centre and is the ideal budget accommodation for those travellers on a low or medium budget

B&B La Mongolfiera, Via Guido Guinizzelli, 1, lang="ZH-CN" Batang; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-font-family: ? +39 055 5535141 - 333 4024584 - 348 8442384 (info@residenzelamongolfiera.it, fax: +39 055 632090), [19]. Residence la Mongolfiera in the historical center. The Bed & Breakfast La Mongolfiera is the ideal place to stay when visiting Florenceand its surroundings

Giulia Residence (info@residenzagiulia.com), [20]. The Residenza Giulia or Julia's residence is located in the Porta al Prato area of Florence only 15 minutes walk from the main square. Run by the lovely Anna and her son David the warmth and hospitality of this charming florentine family will make you feel at home from the moment you set foot in the door! Double rooms start from €60 in low season.

Quartopiano bed and breakfast, ? +39 3293149042, [21].

San Giovanni bed and Breakfast, Via Cerretani 2, lang="ZH-CN" Batang; mso-bidi-font-family: ? +39 055 288385 (info@hotelsangiovanni.com, fax: +39 055 213580), [22]. 20 metres from the main square of Piazza San Giovanni

The Relais dell’ Ussero [23] at the Villa di Corliano or at the Ussero Palace are two historical fifteenth century mansions. Villa di Corliano it is very conveniently located only 2 Km along the road from the health spa of San Giuliano Terme ( Pisa) and Ussero Palace is in the historical centre of Pisa Both are near the cities of Lucca and Livorno (a 15 minute drive to both). Florence is only an hour away and Siena an hour and a half.

Relais Villa Antea, Via Puccinotti 46, lang="ZH-CN" Batang; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-font-family: ? +39 055.484106 (info@villaantea.com, fax: +39 055.484539), [24]. Ideally situated off the beaten path yet well within walking distance of the city's historic center, a luxuriously appointed Villa built in 1903 amid even older poplar and lime trees.

Stay safe

Florence is generally safe, but take precautions against the opportunistic thieves common to major tourist attractions - pickpockets and purse snatchers. Savvy thieves congregate in crowds, particularly around Santa Maria Novella train station. If you have a pocketbook with a classy, noiseless zipper, it will be opened. Also exercise caution on buses: pickpockets can be active on crowded ones and, as everywhere, they preferably target tourists. Occasionally, some type of beggars can be too much insisting and also hide a thief second nature. Again, nothing new to major tourist spots.

Stay healthy

Beware of Stendhal syndrome, namely, dizziness caused by being overwhelmed by Florence 's fantastic art. Yes, it's a real syndrome, named after 19th-century French author Stendhal, who suffered from it during his stay in Florence If you get overwhelmed, rest your eyes and legs, get some food (remember gelato?), and save the rest of Florence for tomorrow.

10. Certosa del Galluzzo

Via Senese, 206-208r

Florence 50124 Italy

+39 55 204 9217

Open Hours

Summer: 9a-noon, 3p-6p, Winter: 9a-noon, 3p-5p

Mon 10/27/07 (day 9) – Bologna & Venice

Bologna

Overview

Bologna is a historical city, the main city in Emilia-Romagna (a region in northern Italy ) famous for its cuisine (la cucina Bolognese), and for its architectural palette of reds, oranges, and yellows, hence the name of Bologna la rossa (Bologna the red), as well as its twentieth-century history as a communist stronghold in Italy The city has grown more and more popular with tourists, who see it as an excellent destination for a one-day-stopover on their trip-route, especially between Venice and Florence . Bologna is not typically a tourist city, do not be surprised with the excessive graffiti, unclean streets, and difficulty in communication (as most people do not need to learn English). However, if one is looking for an authentic Italian experience in a working city, then Bologna is a wonderful option. The town centre is one of the best preserved throughout Europe , the Bolognese porticos are particularly interesting because of their history, and the city is home to the first university in the world.

Understand

Bologna 's at it best from March-April to October, when its warm and people stay outside, sit in squares such as Piazza Santo Stefano and Piazza Maggiore. However, during July it is particularly hot. In August as with the much of Italy in the summer, many shops and restaurants are closed for the summer vacation. Winter can be bitterly cold and snow is common over Christmas.

Get around

Layout of the city

Looking at the map of the city, (it's possible to get a free one at the Tourist Information Centre in Piazza Maggiore), the first thing to do for orientating yourself is to find the Due Torri landmark, which stays in the centre of the free map. The centre of the city is surrounded by the Viali, a circular road easily recognizable. The northeast quadrant of the map is the university district (which unlike US campus is an integral part of the city and not a separate compound). The two southern quadrants of your city map are residential sections of the city, and it's not a common tourist-area. However, walking outside the city centre, further to the south, you will come upon hills. There is, as well, the Giardini Margherita, the largest park of the city.

See

Museums and Art Galleries

Museum Card (Carta Bologna dei Musei) – Bologna 's museum card is available for either one or three days. The museum card is for free access to the city's main museums and discounts to some others. It is available at museums and tourist offices.

Museo Civico Archeologico ( Archaeological Museum ) - Via dell'Archiginnasio 2, Tel: +39 (0)51 233 849. In the building of an old hospital a comprehensive collection of antiquities. Examples from: Egyptian civilization –(mummies and sarcophagi,) Iron age Villanova culture, artifacts from Etruscan Velzna, funerary art, terracotta urns, ancient vases and items from Roman times. Don't miss the bronze Certosa jar which is over 1,500 years old open: Tuesday - Friday: 9 -15 Saturday - Sunday and holidays: 10 - 18,30 Closed on Monday. Full price ticket €4, discounts available.

Jewish Museum - via Valdonica 1/5 Tel. +39 051.2911280. Located in the area of the former ghetto. Museum hours: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Tickets sold until 5:15 PM (3:15 PM Friday); Closed Saturdays and on Jewish holidays.

Gallery of Modern Art of Bologna - Via Don Giovanni Minzoni 14. Open 10:00-18:00 Tuesday–Sunday, Thursday 10 am - 10 pm, closed on Mondays.

Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna (National Picture Gallery) - Via Belle Arti 56, Tel: +39 (0)51 421 1984. [3] Containing the cities's most important art. It offers an interesting panorama of the Emilian and Venetian painting from the XIII to the XVIII century. A must, the works by Giotto, Raffaello, Parmigianino (Madonna col Bambino/Virgin Mary with Baby and the Saints Margaret, Girolamo and Petronio), Perugino, Tiziano and Tintoretto (Visitazione/Visitation and Saints Joseph and Zacharias). Open: Tuesday to Sunday – 09:00 to 19:00 free for children under 18.

The University Museums – via Zamboni, There are a number of interesting, small museums at the University in the Palazzo Poggi. These include:

1. The Museo Navale ( Naval Museum ) – 18th-century model warships (some very large) and collections of early maps 8.30-17.30 - closed Sat. and Sun. Admission free;

2. The Museum of Military Architechture – models of Bologna 's fortifications Mon. to Fri. 8.30-17.30 - closed Sat. and Sun. Admission free;

3. Museo Ostetrico (Obstetric Museum)

4. The Museo Aldovrandi – the collections of the Renaissance naturalist Ulisse Aldovrandi;

5. Museo della Specola. Occupies the Specola, the astronomical tower built in the beginning of XVIII-century over Palazzo Poggi. The material exposed illustrates the evolution of the astronomic instrumentation through the centuries. Tours begins at the following hours for groups of 15 people maximum. June 24 till July 31 and from August 22 till September 18 from Monday to Sunday: 10:00; 11:30; 14:00 closed August 1 to 21; Sep.19-Dec.31 from Monday to Sunday: 10:00; 11:30; 14:30; 16:00. Free admission;

Museo di Antropologia – Via Selme 3, BBones, and artifacts of prehistoric Italians. Open: Monday to Friday – 09:00 to 13:00. Closed: Saturday, Sunday and completely in July and August free admission.

Museo di Mineralogia – Piazza di Porta San Donato. Rocks, precious stones, rare minerals and meteorites. Open: Monday to Saturday – 09:00 to 13:00 Closed: Sunday

Museo di Anatomia Patologica – Via Massarenti. Studies of human and animal deformities. Open: Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday 09:00 to 13:00. Closed: Sunday. Free admission.

Museum of Giorgio Morandi - Piazza Maggiore 6 (in the city hall). Tuesday to Friday, 09.00 - 15.00, Saturday and Sunday 10,00 - 18,30. Full price entrance €4, discounts available. Inaugurated in 1993, the museum houses most of the works by the Bolognese painter Giorgio Morandi.

Collezioni Comunali d'Arte (Communal Collection of Fine Arts) - Piazza Maggiore 6 (In the city hall) Tel. 051-2193631/2193526. Tusdays-Fridays 9-15 Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 10-18,30. Closed mondays. The painting collection offers works belonging to various historical periods. Special attention should be given to the paintings by Giuseppe Maria Crespi (Ritratto del cardinale Lambertini- Portrait of Cardinal Lambertini), Ludovico Carracci (S. Caterina in Carcere – S. Catherine in Prison), Guido Cagnacci (Cleopatra e Lucrezia), Francesco Hayez (Ruth).

Museo Internazionale e Biblioteca della Musica di Bologna Strada Maggiore, 34 - Palazzo Aldini Sanguinetti Tel. 051/2757711 - 051/221117. From Jan 1 to May 31: Tues-Sun 10am-5pm; From June 1 to July 14: Tues-Thurs 10am-1:30pm, Friday-Sun 10am-5pm; From July 15 to September 15: CLOSED; From Sept 16 to Dec 31: Tues-Thurs 10am-1:30pm, Friday-Sun 10am-5pm; CLOSED Mondays, Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25.

Accademia Filarmonica { Philharmonic Academy ) via Guerrazzi 13, 40125 Bologne, tel: 051/222997 fax: 051224104 [5] The Philarmonic Academy of Bologne was established in 1666. Since then it has become a reference point for the city musical life and its fame has spread throughout EuropeHere are preserved the works of many illustrious students, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s (1770) and autographed documents by Puccini, Verdi and Beethoven.

Modern Art Gallery «Raccolta Lercaro» via Riva di Reno 57 40122 Bologne, tel: 051/472078 fax: 051/476802 [6] Opening/Closing Time: Wednesday-Saturday 4.00 a.m.-7.00 p.m.; Sunday 10.00 a.m.-1.00 p.m., 4.00 p.m.-7.00 p.m. It houses about 2000 works by Italian and foreign artists with special attention to the sculptures by Manzù, Messina , Rodin and Giacometti.

Ducati Museum via Cavalieri Ducati 40132 Bologne, tel: 051/6413111 [7] Opening/Closing Time: Monday-Friday guided tours at 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m.; Saturday 9.00 a.m.-1.00 p.m Closed during Easter and Christmas holidays and in August. It represents the evolution of the Bolognese motorcycle firm. An exposition of motorcycles, period materials, projects, mechanical components, pictures and videos.

Sightseeing

Guided bus tours and walking tours are available in Bologna .

Piazza Maggiore Large pedestrian square located in the monumental center of the old part of the city and it is surrounded by the Basilica of San Petronio, the City Hall Building, the portico dei Banchi and the Palazzo del Podestà.

Via Rizzoli One of the main streets of Bologne. It is a meeting point and strolling area. It opens up to Piazza di porta Ravegnana where the two towers rise.

Fontana di Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune) - Piazza del Nettuno. A fountain built in 1563 by Tommaso Laureti of Palermo later embellished by Jean de Boulogne (called Giambologna). It is considered one of Bologne’s symbols.

Corte de' Galluzzi It can be accessed through a vault from Piazza Galvani, in front of the Archiginnasio. An area with strong Medieval tones.

University Quarter - Via Zamboni. Full of bars and cafés. The University of Bologna is the world's oldest university founded over 900 years ago.

Landmarks

Torre degli Asinelli (Tower of the Asinelli) and Torre dei Garisenda (Tower of the Garisenda) - Piazza di Porta Ravegnana. Main symbols of Bologna Torre degli Asinelli (built between 1109 and 1119) is 97.20 metres tall (330 feet), with 498 steps and an incline of 1.3 meters (4 feet). Torre dei Garisenda (closed to the public)is 47 m (162 feet) tall and has a lean of over 3m (10 feet). Both were built in the 12th century. Open: daily, 09:00 to 18:00 €3 to climb Torre degli Asinelli.

Palazzo Comunale - Piazza Maggiore 6, Tel: (0)51 203 111. Bologna's city hall, with a very rich collection of Renaissance paintings, sculptures and antique furniture, is a 14th-century palazzo. Don't miss its enormous main staircase, which was designed to be used by horse drawn carriages. Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00 children under 14 get free admission.

Tombe dei Glossatori (The Glossatori tombs) Piazza San Domenico e Piazza Malpighi. Named for the lawyers who used to add glosses (aka: notes) to documents. The tombs, which date from the end of the 13th century, are home to many Bologna 's famous scholars.

Santuario della Madonna di San Luca (St. Luke's Basilica) Located on the Colle della Guardia (Guardia hill). Built in mid-18th century, offers a panoramic view of the City, and can be reached by walking along the 666 archs of its unique portico. It has a peculiar layout, being of round shape. A widely city-know icon, the Madonna di San Luca, is held there.

I Portici (The Arcades) Visitors can walk under the typical arcades of Bologne for a total of 38 km. This kind of construction dates back to ancient Eastern civilizations.

Basilica of San Petronio Piazza Maggiore Bologne, tel: 051/231415 Opening/Closing Time: Weekdays 9.30 a.m.-12.30, 2.30 p.m.-5.30 p.m.; Holidays 2.30 p.m.-5.00 p.m. The Basilica houses an invaluable number of treasures such as the sundial by Cassini and Guglielmini, which indicates the exact period of the current year at all times, the "S. Rocco" by Parmigianino and the marvellous Bolognini Chapel. From the left nave of the basilica, the visitor can gain access to the Museum where many bas-reliefs are collected.

Basilica of San Dominico 13 Piazza di San Dominico, tel: +39 051 6400411 Open: daily, 07:30 to 13:00, 15:30-19:30

Santa Maria della Vita 10 Via Clavature tel: +39 051 236245 Open: Mon-Sat, 07:30-19:30, Sun, 16:30-19:00

Parks and Gardens

Many parks were former private gardens of nobility.

Giardini Margherita ( Margherita Gardens ) - Viale Gozzadini. Bologna 's main park created in 1875. The chalet converts to a nightclub in the summer evenings. Open: daily 06:00 to midnight.

Parco Montagnola - Piazza VIII Agosto. Public park since the 17th century. Much of the current landscaping comes from the early 19th century. The pond in the centre of the park was added in 1888. Open: daily 07:00 to midnight.

Orto Botanico (Botanical Gardens) - Via Irnerio, 42 Tel: (0)51351280. Created in the mid-16th century for medicinal herbs. Currently the second largest park in the city the Botanical gardens are home to over 5,000 plant species. Some of the highlights include a full-grown sequoia, and a greenhouse for cacti and canvivourous plants. Open: Monday to Friday - 08:30 to 15:00, Saturday 08:00 to 13:00.

Villa delle Rose - Via Saragozza, 228/230 Tel: (0)51 436 818. Donated to the city in 1916 the gardens were originally owned by the Cella family. The 18th-century Villa delle Rose, which was the Cella's residence, hosts art exhibitions throughout the year. Open: Tuesday to Sunday 15:00 to 19:00.

Villa Guastavillani - Via degli Scalini, 18 Tel: 051 239 660. Designed and built by Tomasso Martelli in the 16th century. Open: Monday to Saturday - 08:00 to 14:00.

Villa Spada - Via Casaglia, 1 Tel: 051 614 5512. On the grounds of the Palazzo Ravone an 18th century villa, it was opened to the public in 1970. Open: April to September - Tuesday to Sunday 07:30 to 22:00; October to March - Tuesday to Sunday 07:30 to 18:00.

Parco Cavaioni - Via di Casaglia. A large park featuring meadows, fields, wooded areas, and a lake. Open: April to September - 06:00 to midnight, October to March - 07:00 to 18:00.

Certosa - Via della Certosa, 18, Tel: (0)514 12606. City's main cemetery with beautifully carved tombstones, built over the ruins of an ancient Etrusan necropolis. Open: daily 07:00 to 18:00.

Via Mascarella, in the northeast area of the city, has nightspots, among them two jazz clubs;

There's a great film festival with restored silent and sound films throughout July in Piazza Maggiore. In the past, these have included foreign film (especially Italian and French), animation shorts from Annecy, archive footage of Bologna (e.g. of its liberation by British and American troops) and modern classics such as The Third Man, Raging Bull, Apocalypse Now and The Pianist;

Many bars and pubs host music contests and concerts, from rock to jazz to "liscio", the traditional folk songs of Emilia-Romagna .

Bologna is an Italian hub for rock, electronic and alternative music. There are almost a hundred concerts every year by international bands. Unfortunately many of these locations have moved outside the city centre. The main places where to look are:

The "Estragon", in Parco Nord, a big ex-industrial hangar, features dj-sets and concerts by international rock bands almost every night.

The "Link", recently moved outside the city, is a large, 2-floor club that features mostly avantgarde electronic, techno and hip-hop gigs and dj-sets. A little book shop, mainly on "alternative" subjects, can be found inside.

The "XM24" is an occupied ex-agricultural market located in Via Fioravanti 24. Punk-hc, rock and electronic concerts are often featured. A good and very cheap place, if you don't mind the punk atmosphere.

The "Livello 57", just under the bridge of Via Stalingrado is now only seldom open. It mainly features raves and techno gigs in an industrial, darkish atmosphere.

The "TPO", in Viale Lenin, is another occupied location that mostly features experimental music festivals and rock concerts.

The "Kindergarten", in Via Calzoni, next to the "Fiera", is a recently opened club that features punk and new wave concerts.

Il Covo: rock club

Buy

The key to shopping in Italy is to look in every little shop as you walk around, paying attention to price tags. Please take note that the hours listed usually specify a closure in the afternoons. There is no one place to get the perfect pair of shoes or the perfect ties or the perfect anything: you have to look all over, but this is half the fun. If you can't find what you want at the price you want to pay for it, keep looking, chances are you will find something somewhere else that will work perfectly.

Eat

There are many choices for where to eat, as Bologna is generally considered to be the gastronomic centre of ItalyIt is difficult to find a truly poor meal as the Bolognese, like most Italians, use fabulous quality local produce with sparkling ingenuity.

Tamburinis delicatessen in Via Caprarie is one of the world's great delis specialising in pasta, cheese and ham and serves lunchtime food cafeteria style at moderate prices (less expensive than a restaurant, more expensive than a cafeteria).

Just down the street on Via Orefici and linked to Tamburini's history is the locally famous Bar Otello. A small place noted as "The bar that hosted the history of the Bologna soccer team", is the true Bolognese's gathering hole. Bolognese from all walks of life stop in for a quick espresso, small chat (usually in Bolognese dialect between the older patrons), buy their cigarettes, try their luck on the pools and shut themselves off to concentrate on the sporting events, talk about the day's events or criticise Italian politics. They also have one of the best cappuccino's in town (if you're a glutton try their cacao(chocolate)/nocciola(hazelnut) cappuccino). Unpretentious and genuinely nice, one of the few bars that make you feel welcomed once you come in.

Via del Pratello has lots of bars and restaurants/osterie. There's lots to choose from here. Walk past, look at the menus. It is located towards the middle of the 'western' part of the map. Via Mascarella/Largo Respighi is another zone with a lot of Osterie.

The "Diana" on Via Indipendenza is probably the most famous restaurant in the city (quite expensive but not the worst one). Foreign tourists - the Japanese, and businessmen, primarily - come here.

"Il Pappagallo" ("The Parrot"), found at the top of the street leading into Piazza Santo Stefano was a famous haunt of the stars during the '60s and '70s and still attracts an exclusive clientele. Its mix of traditional Bolognese fare and nouvelle cuisine gives the "Diana" a run for its money.

The really good ice cream can be had at "Gianni's", a traditional Italian gelateria found near Via Ugo Bassi and the top of Piazza Santo Stefano. In 2006 a third gelateria opened at the corner of Via San Vitale and Via Zamboni, just under the Asinelli Tower .

Another ice cream must-try is "Il Gelatauro", in Via San Vitale. It has many unique ice cream flavours, mostly of Sicilian origin, and it is considered one of the best gelateria of Italy .

If you are just hungry and really out of money, next to Il Gelatauro is the chinese take-away "La Fenice". Don't be appalled by the really unimpressive appearance: the food is quite good (although stereotypical in its genre) and the portions are as big as they are cheap. With 1.50 Euros you can buy a cantonese rice portion able to fill up two persons.

Via San Vitale also features "L'Antica Bologna", a chic but good and not particularly expensive bar and patisserie. Good Italian coffee is served too.

"L'antica Trattoria Spiga" on Via Broccaindosso is a bit hard to find, but has the best risotto in Bologna and wonderful traditional cucina Bolognese. And as with most places in Bologna , be prepared to know a little Italian.

"Osaka", in Via Calori next to Piazza Azzarita is a Japanese restaurant. Not exceptional in its genre, but allows for take-away sushi and it is relatively unexpensive. A slightly more expensive but finer alternative is "Haiku", in Via Stalingrado corner with Via Serlio (20 minutes by walk from the train station).

Drink

Consider visiting the many pubs and clubs of Via Zamboni (university zone); some, such as "The Irish Pub", popular with students and foreigners, give happy hours on Tuesday/Wednesday. "Al Piccolo" down the road in Piazza Verdi is another famous student haunt, a live DJ playing techno into the early mornings.

Otherwise, the Via Pratello has many bars and is the centre of the city's alternative scene. Worth a look in particular is "Mutanye" whose owner is reputed to have been part of the Red Brigade in his youth, hence the many soviet posters.

For a good enoteca (winery), "Ai Vini Scelti" just outside the centre in Via Andrea Costa and only a few moments from Via Pratello, is considered one of the best in Bologna , though there are many others in the centre, providing everything from a quick aperitivo to proper wine-tasting.

A very plesant outdoor trattoria and wine bar on Piazza San Martino called "Golem" has a relaxed, modern italian atmosphere and is great for people watching. Reasonable prices, excellent wines, and a small appetizer bar make it ideal for a long evening of good drink with friends or family. Also, the gnocchi with crab sauce is superb, although you might want to order it without eyeballs.

Sleep

Budget

Hotel Fiera, Via Stalingrado 82, 40128, Bologna [8], A very nice hotel in the Merchant district with clean rooms and wonderful bathrooms. If you are lucky enough to get a room with a balcony, you will be rewarded with an outstanding view of the Appenines in the distance. Friendly staff, and a very nice little restaurant. Breakfast here was outstanding. If you want a place on the outskirts from which to plan your stay, you could do much worse. Doubles from €55, singles from €45. All rooms have a minibar at very reasonable prices (€2.60 for anything as of June 2006). Very clean rooms. However, it is a significant distance from the centre and so public transport is a must.

8. Basilica di San Antonio di Padova

Via Jacopo della Lana, 2

Bologna 40125 Italy

Overview

This church was built at the beginning of the 1900's by the architect Carlo Barberi from Modena A beautiful external aspect in neoclassical style with the internal walls decorated with paintings by Giacomo Gemmi. The Francescan community, who own the holy building, is the group that created the famous choir, the 'Piccolo Coro dell'Antonio' who produced the children's collection 'Lo Zucchino D'Oro.'

3. Basilica Santuario di Santo Stefano

Piazza Santo Stefano

Bologna 40125 Italy

Open Hours

6:30a-noon, 3p-7p M-Sa

Overview

The most well-known and legendary place of worship in the city comprises several holy buildings, built and renovated at various times. The complex consists of: The Chiesa del Crocifisso, the Chiesa del S. Sepolcro, the Chiesa dei Santi Vitale e Agricola, the Chiesa della Trinita, the Benedictine Cloisters, the Chiesetta della Madonna del Loreto (protector of avaiators), the Chapel of Santa Giuliana and the chapel of the Cross. The Romanic cloister, with its loggia columns topped with anthropomor.

9. Ex Conservatorio del Baraccano

Via Santo Stefano, 119

Bologna 40125 Italy

Overview

Via Belle Arti, 8

Bologna 40126 Italy

Overview

Palazzo Bentivoglio was probably built around 1550-60 by Trachini. The magnificent façade on Via Belle Arti with decorations in sandstone is today unfortunately suffering from wear but current restoration is trying to repair the damage. A lovely internal courtyard with double loggia was built during the 17th century and is still partly without decorations. Inside there are paintings by Bonetti and Gandolfi.

7. Mercato Montagnola

Piazza VIII Agosto-Parco della Montagnola

Bologna 40126 Italy

Open Hours

9a-6:30p F-Sa

Overview

The famous Piazzola market takes place every Friday in the Parco della Montagnola area. It is a popular place, which is dusty and noisy, and very colourful. It sells footwear, clothing, cooking equipment, flowers, antiques, and second-hand goods. The market swarms with people from all over the province and it is really a pleasant experience to spend a few hours amongst the crowds looking through piles of shirts, shoes, sheets, and saucepans on the stalls. There are also lots of stall which.

VENICE

Mon 10/27/07 (day 9) – Bologna & Venice

Mon 10/28/07 (day 10) – Venice

Venice

Understand

History

The Most Serene Republic of Venice dates back to 827, when a Byzantine dukedom moved its seat to what is now known as the Rialto , and for the following 970 years prospered on trade and under the rule of a Roman-style Senate headed by the Doge. Alas, in 1797 the city was conquered by Napoleon, a blow from which the city never recovered. The city was soon merged into Austria-Hungary , then ping-ponged back and forth between Austria and a nascent Italy , but the glory days of Venice are long gone.

Climate

The summer may be the worst time to visit: it's sometimes very hot, the canals sometimes stink (in the most literal sense), there are occasional infestations of flies, and there are more tourists than usual. Spring and fall are probably best, a compromise between temperature (expect 5-15°C in March) and the tourist load. That said, if you've never been to Venice , it's better to go in summer than not to go. You won't regret it. Many cities are far worse in summer -- Venice has no cars, hence no smog.

Acqua alta (high water) has become a fact of life in Venice The lagoon water level occasionally rises above the level of the plazas and streets, flooding them. This will happen several times a year, usually in the colder months. Acqua alta usually lasts a couple of hours. You'll see raised walkways in side alleys ready to be pulled out when acqua alta hits. When the city begins to flood, sirens will sound warning residents and businesses. If you speak fluent Italiano, tune into news programs since their predictions of the times the flood begins and ends are usually on the spot.

You can get an acqua alta map at the tourist offices either at the railway station or St Marks. This will show you the approved dry routes during the various flood alerts. There is a tide measuring station at the Rialto vaporetto piers, and a noticeboard at the base of the Campanile in the Piazza San Marco that shows a live tide reading and predictions for the next few days.

Get in

Because Venice is on a lagoon, the water plays a crucial role in transportation. The most popular way to approach Venice is by boat or train.

By car

Cars arrive on the far western edge of Venice , but remain parked at the entrance to the city (Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto - Europe 's largest car park.) There are no roads past this point -- and never were, even before cars. Car parking is expensive here and the tailbacks can be quite large. An alternative is to use the car parks on the mainland (terra ferma) and catch a vaporetto, train or bus into Venice Park near the Mestre railway station, and catch a train to Venezia S.Lucia; there are many trains, it is very near (8-10 minutes) and quite cheap. Besides, Venezia S.Lucia is a good starting point to visit Venice However drivers going to the Lido can use the car ferry from Tronchetto (vaporetto 17 - frequencies vary), right hand lane off the Ponte della Liberta into the city.

By rental car

Most of the major rental car companies have outlets at Piazzale Roma, at the edge of the city. These are on the ground floor of one of the major parking stations. When you are dropping off your car, you need to find street parking and then walk to the rental car outlet and hand in the keys. Do not park in the parking station! There is a vaporetto stop across the road from the parking station.

By boat

Ships arrive at the Stazione Marittima which is at the west end of the main islands, it is served by vaporetti and water taxis.

Get around

Venice is the World's only pedestrian city, is beautifully walkable, and the absence of cars makes it a particularly pleasant experience. Walking and standing all day can be exhausting too . acclimatize yourself. The Rialtine islands - the 'main' part of Venice - are small enough to walk from one end to the other in about an hour.

If you want to get around a bit more quickly, there are numerous vaporetti (water buses) and water taxis. The vaporetti are generally the best way to get around, even if the service route map changes frequently. If you are going to be in Venice for a few days visiting, it is a lot cheaper to get the vaporetti than to get private water taxis. If you want to have a romantic ride along the canals, take a gondola ride.

ACTV runs the vaporetti and other public transport services both in the lagoon and on the terra firma. 12 hour, 48 hour and 7 day Venice Cards are available, in two variations (Blue and Orange ). The basic Blue cards provide unlimited travel on the ACTV travel services (vaporetti, motoscafi and buses), free use of the AMAV staffed toilets and discounted tickets for some museums. The Orange card also provides free entrance to some of the museums (those covered by the Museum Card). Note that neither card includes the Alilaguna water-bus which serves Marco Polo airport unless you pay a surcharge. The surcharge only officially allows you to use the Alilaguna bus twice, so it isn´t necessarily cheaper. A 'Junior' version of both cards are also available at a slightly reduced rate for those between 5 and 29 years of age. Travel cards are extremely useful since the basic fare for one vaporetto journey is typically €5.00 whereas 1 day Blue cards cost €17, 3 day costs €34 and 7 day €52 (prices correct April 2007). There are cheaper 1 and 3 day ACTV travel tickets available (€12 and €25) but these are pure travel cards and offer no discounts or other goodies (like a free map and case) which come with the Venice Cards. Discounts on many of these cards are available for the under €30 or by buying online, it pays to look around.

Otherwise, take a walk! The city is not that big, and you can walk from one end to the other in a few hours. But it would take months for a fit person to discover every path in the city. Along the way you will discover marvelous art, superb architecture and breathtaking urban landscaping.

See

Churches

Saint Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), Piazza San Marco (Water lines # 1, 52, and 82 will take you from Santa Lucia (the train station) or Piazzale Roma to Piazza San Lucia. Walking is another option but will require a map and lots of time and energy.), ? +39 041 5225205 (procuratorial phone number), [4]. October 1st to March 31st: 9:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.; April 1st to September 30th: 9.45 a.m. - 5.00 p.m Saint Mark's Basilica is located on Piazza San Marcoand is one of the highlights of a visit to Venice As with most churches in Italy , you must be dressed appropriately to be allowed in; this means no short skirts or bare shoulders. You are not allowed to carry large bags or rucksacks inside. You must deposit them just round the corner from the main entrance. Filming and photography is forbidden so be prepared in advance. The visit within the basilica last ten minutes. Waiting for entry into the basilica can last upto five or so hours and it may be wise to use alata.it [5] to reserve your visit. Reserving is free of charge. Once you have a reservation you can take the group entrance on the left, where you give in the printout of your reservation. Admission to the basilica is free, however, the museum upstairs costs €3 and other alter treasury €2

San Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo in Venetian dialect): a fine, huge Dominican church with the tombs of many Doges. It shares its piazza with the fine Renaissance facade of the Scuola San Marco and an equestrian statue of the mercenary (condottiere) captain Colleone. Look out for the testicles (coglioni in Italian - it's a lousy pun) on his coat of arms!

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari - the big friary church, with fine monuments and paintings.

Santa Maria dei Miracoli - a perfect jewel box church, simple in form but ornamented with fine exterior marble facings.

Museums

Ca' Pesaro

Ca' Rezzonico

Clock tower (Torre dell'Orologio)

Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Galleria dell'Accademia di Venezia

Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca' d'Oro

Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro)

Goldoni's House (Casa Goldoni)

Jewish Ghetto of Venice , [6]. While racially and ethnic neighborhoods had existed prior to the Venetian Ghetto, Venice 's ghetto was the first "ghetto" (coming from a Venetian word for the Iron Foundry that was on the site previously) and "ghetto" eventually came to mean any neighborhood that was made up of a single ethnic/racial group. Today, Jewish life is still very active in the ghetto, and elsewhere in Venice , and is home to five synagogues. Visiting on Saturdays (the Jewish Sabbath) will prove very fruitless because all shops, restaurants, and other Jewish places will be closed.

The Jewish Museum (Museo Ebraico), Cannaregio 2902/b, lang="ZH-CN" Batang; mso-bidi-font-family: ? +39 041 715 359 (museoebraico@codesscultura.it, fax: +39 041 72 3007), [7]. Hours: June 1 - September 30: 10.00 a.m. - 07.00 p.m. October 1 - May 31: 10.00 a.m. - 06.00 p.m. The Museum is closed on Saturday (Shabbat), during Jewish festivities, on December 25th , on January 1st and on May 1. Entrance to the Museum: Full price: € 3.00, Reduced price: € 2.00. Entrance to the Museum and Guided Tours to Synagogues: Full price: € 8.50, Reduced price: € 7.00.

Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto)

The Peggy Guggenheim Museum, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni (Located on the Dorsoduro region of Venice, to the east of the Accademia bridge, on the southern side of the Grand Canal), ? +39.041.2405.411 (info@guggenheim-venice.it, fax: +39.041.5206.885), [8]. Hours: Wednesday - Monday: 10AM - 6PM. Closed on Tuesdays and on 25 December. Open on national holidays (including Tuesdays). The Peggy Guggenheim Museum offers a personal collection of modern art collected by Peggy Guggenheim. Peggy was an American married to modern artist Max Ernst, and funded a number of his contemporaries. The gallery includes a sculpture garden and works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Tanguy, Duchamp, Pollock, Dali, and Mondrian. Admission: Adults: €10, Seniors (over 65 years): €8, Students (18 years and under or holders of valid student ID): €5.

Museo d'Arte Orientale

Museo Fortuny

Museum Correr

Museum of Greek Icons

Natural History Museum

Naval History Museum (Museo Storico Navale)

Palazzo Grassi

Palazzo Mocenigo

Scala Contarini del Bovaro

Scuola Grande di S. Rocco

Outdoor sights, piazzas, bridges, canals

Don't miss the Rialto market and the Rialto Bridge (Italian: Ponte di Rialto) on San Polo, the smallest sestiere. The bridge has become one of Venice 's most recognizable icons and has a history that spans over 800 years. Today's Rialto Bridge was completed in 1591 and was used to replace a wooden bridge that collapsed in 1524.

Ride a Vaporetto (Water Bus) down the Grand Canal right before sunset. The Vaporettos are inexpensive, but the sites are priceless: amazing architecture, soft seaside sunlight, and a fascinating parade of Venetian watercraft.

Take a Gondola if you can afford it: it's expensive, but the Gondoliere maybe can decrease the price if you ask (but they can also decrease the time.). Make sure you reach an agreement on price and time before you start! A good tip with the Gondolieres is to bargain the price down as low as you can, then say that it's still too much and walk away. Two or three of them will chase after you, one after the other, each offering a lower price than the last. It's possible to knock 20-30 euros off the price(even then, be prepared to shell out 80 euros). If you go as a group it might be cheaper, though the number of people who can be accomodated on a gondola varies.

If a gondola seems a little pricey the alternative is to cross the Grand Canal by traghetto. These only cost €0.50 to use and are largely gondolas that have seen better days, They are stripped down and used as municipal ferries. In the 1950's there were as many as thirty, but now there are seven points to find them. However some only operate when people are going to and from work.

If you are looking for something to do, you can always shop. Venice is packed full of little stores in every corner and crevice. The commonest local specialities are Carnival masks, glass, and marbled paper. Price can vary wildly, so it's a good idea to hold off buying until you have a fair idea about the relative value of things. As is the case with most tourist cities, a LOT of the "original " and "made in Venice " items are actually made in ChinaMurano is an island famous for its glass making. Almost in every shop you will find "original Murano glass" items. If it was really made in Murano, it would be prohibitively expensive, with prices routinely running into thousands of euros. So if you are looking for cheap souvenirs, real Murano glass is not the thing to buy! You can also see glass making demonstrations in Murano, but be sure to check that there is a demonstration scheduled for that day. And it is normally not done in winter either.

Spend a day on the islands, mainly Murano, Burano and Torcello. There are boat services to all these islands at scheduled times, including between the islands themselves. The Glass Museum in Murano and the Lace Museum in Burano are certainly worth a visit. In Burano you will find some of the most picturesque streets and houses, with each house sporting a different pastel shade. Its really beautiful. Though there is not much to see in Torcello except for the old church, the peace and tranquility of the island is not to be found anywhere else in Venice ! Just walking around on these islands is a nice experience.

While going through Venice you need to take in the beauty of it all. Walk through the alley ways, and take the water taxi to different parts of the island, sometimes at night you can just go sit in a main area and watch people and tourists. It is wonderful. There are many museums and churches that are around the city that allow tourists to go in a visit. They are a good thing to keep you busy throughout your visit.

The “Secret itineraries in Doge's Palace” worth a visit, take the visitor into the most secret and fascinating rooms in the Palace. It’s better to book in advance. www.museiciviciveneziani.it.

If you would like to have a guide to show up the highlights of Venice , you can choose between many offers. There are walking or boat tours, focused on shopping or history or for art lovers, and many itineraries. One tours site is www.aguideinvenice.com.

If you are interested in exploring all things related with italian food you have to visit the freshly open " i Tre Mercanti" ( campo della guerra 2 mins from S.Marco square ) an amazing food gallery where you can find typical italian specialities, a wide range o f the best wines and the usual classics like Olive Oil, balsamic winegar, parmesan, Limoncello along with hundreds of regional specialities ( including 97 pasta sauces !!!)Classy and friendly the staff speak many languages and is open every day. If you don't feel like shopping you can always browse the shop and ask cooking tips and the history of products to the helpful manager. www.itremercanti.it

Buy

The city is well known for its artisans and artwork. Visitors are drawn to its glasswork and its decorative Carnival masks that are a signature Venetian product. Masks are available at every single shop in Venice , and choosing the best one can be difficult, as many are fairly low quality. One shop with a good quality stock and decent prices (the other great pitfall) is Traditional Mask [9]. Or alternatively you can find masks and costumes at Atelier Marega, where you can often see them preparing and painting the masks.[10].

Watch out also for the hand-made paper and the exquisite miniature buildings made by Moro. Watch out for fakes; Moro "signs" his on the back.

Also, beware of fakes and "free" trips to neighboring Murano for its famous glass. (See article for details.)

Tourist Traps: "Coloured Pasta" and "Venetian Limoncello" (not the original napolitan one) are not Italian food, no Italian would ever eat them, they are especially made only for tourists, shop for food only in food-shops and beware of buying products which display Venetian masks or Venetian landscapes, they are usually made specifically for the tourist market.

Eat

Venice is packed with wonderful restaurants, featuring cuisine of the Veneto Specialties include polenta, made of corn meal; risotto with cuttlefish ink sauce. Diners should however be aware that for every genuinely wonderful restaurant or trattoria, there's another serving rubbish food at inflated prices, especially in the most touristed streets around San Marco. Rule of thumb: if there's a waiter outside pimping for business, it's probably best avoided.

One of Venice 's trademark foods is cuttlefish and its ink. This intense black ink serves as a sauce and ingredient for polenta (corn meal), risotto (rice), and pasta. These dishes are normally indicated by the Italian words "nella seppia" (in cuttlefish), "alla seppia" (in the style of cuttlefish), or "nero di seppia," (black of the cuttlefish). For example Polenta Nella Seppia is fried corn meal with the black ink of a cuttle fish. Despite the intensity in color, the ink has a surprisingly mild taste.

Be careful when the prices are in a weight basis (typically 100 g). One dish can easily contain 400 g of fish, meat,. 4 times the indicated price !

For fresh fruit (including chilled coconut!) watch out for the street market stalls.

To save money at lunch, eat standing up. Prices usually double as soon as you sit at a table.

If self-catering, the Rialto food markets are an absolute must for fruit, vegetables and cheese, but most of all for the huge range of seafood, much of it fresh out of the lagoon and still moving!

Budget

There's superb pizza by the (extremely large) slice in Campo Santa Margherita for approximately €1.80 a slice. The "Brek" is a restaurant that offers a menu including main meal+drink+dessert by only €5. There is one near to railway station and other in the Marco Polo airport, may be in other city places too. Venetian snacks (cichetti) can be brilliantly inventive. Look for places (especially wine bars) popular with non-tourists . the prices are very reasonable. Buy bread, cheese etc. at the markets. If you must buy water (Venice has excellent tap water) get it at the Billa or Co-op stores. Eat less, walk more.

Historical place:

Restaurant La Caravella very near St. Mark's Square, known since the 60's has become a must if you would like to experience a tradition. Via XXII Marzo 2398 Venice - phone +39.041.5208901 [14]

Drink

Although there are many fantastic bars in Venice, if you're planning a nighttime "pub crawl" you should plan a few places to visit in advance - otherwise it's very easy to waste an hour wandering aimlessly in search of a watering hole that's actually open (especially midweek).

There are two late-night drinking areas in venice . and Piazza San Marco is not one of them. Although it is very pleasant and there are many people wandering around late. But the actual late night scene is in 1) Campo Santa Margherita, near the University Ca' Foscari, in Dorsoduro. And 2) in Erbaria, on the West side of the Rialto Bridge , where the main vegetable market is held during the day.

Try a "Spritz" (with either Campari, Select or Aperol), a typical drink loved by all Venetians, that's usually drunk while eating cicheti. You can find it in almost every bar in the city.

If you try the famous Veneto Grappa, be careful. it's almost pure alcohol!

The Devils Forest Pub is a tradional English style pub with a very fun atmosphere. It is located near the Rialto Bridge and tucked into a small alley near the Disney Store. Great, cold, pints!

There are two Irish pubs in Venice ; one is located along the Strada Nova in Cannaregio, the other one is the Inishark, just before Campo Santa Maria Formosa .

The Bellini was invented in Harry's bar in Venice It is a mix of white peach juice and Prosecco (the ubiquitous Venetian Champagne-like sparkling wine). Fermented at too low a temperature Prosecco develops amylic aromas (fruit drops), though these perhaps mix better with fruit juices than does the more austere Champagne Classic Bellinis should never be made with Champagne Although by normal standards expensive, a Bellini in Harry's bar is still much cheaper than on the terraces of similar '5-star' establishments in the city.

Pub Taverna L'Olandese Volante Campo San Lio, Castello 5856 , Venezia, Ph. +39 041.5289349. This pub is far and away the best in Venice It is located between The Rialto Bridge and Saint Mark Square During the summertime there are some tables outside when you can easily sit and rest after a day of wandering around this marvellous city. What is more, during the day pasta and other typical dishes are served at a budget price.

Sleep

Hotels in Venice are expensive. Some of the smaller hotels offer better rates.

Staying in a hotel on the Lido (15-20 minutes by Vaporetto) is a cheaper alternative to staying in Venice proper. The island of Lido also has a long beach where tourists and Venetians alike go swimming during the summer months.

In the last few years holiday or short rentals apartments has increased in number and quality, now you can rent (minimum stay is usually 3 nights)a Palazzo on Grand Canal as a little flat near Rialto.

Some Italians at the train station may approach you to find out if you need a room. While some of these people may be con artists not all are. Some work for family members and will be able to negotiate a price for you. They will usually ask what your budget is and will call a hotel or two to see if the owner will accept the price you suggested. Do not accept the offer if you think the situation is suspect or think you may be exploited. Always get a receipt for the transactions!

Note: if you're on a budget, are presentable, and you plan to stay in Venice for at least a few weeks, drop into the apartment rental agencies. These are usually for 6-moth / 1-year leases, but they often know people who are renting out apartments for somewhat shorter durations.

Super-budget

Venice Hostel, Fondamenta Zitelle 86, Isola della Giudecca, lang="ZH-CN" Batang; mso-bidi-font-family: ? +39-041-5238211 (fax: +39-041-5235689). One of many hostels in Venice This hostel is located in Giudecca (which means a short boat ride to the rest of Venice). Just a bed: clean, cheap and reasonable.[15]

Budget

Ai Tolentini Calle Amai, Santa Croce 197/G, 30135, Ph. +39 041.2759140 Fax +39 041.2753266. [16]. Near Piazzale Roma and the train station. Doubles from €65.

Ai Do Mori S. Marco 658, 30124, Ph. +39 041.5204817 Fax +39 041.5205328. [17]. As close as it gets to Piazza San Marco, but on the second and third floor, so it still is really quiet at nights. Superclean and nice rooms, tv, aircon, very friendly staff. Doubles from 55€/night.

Al Campiello Cannareggio 5619, Ph: +39 041.5285564 Fax: +39 041.5286861, [18]. Located in an ancient Venetian palace in the heart of Venice , rooms completely restored. Doubles starting from €80 (extra bed €20).

Alloggi Agli Artisti Calle Priuli Cavalletti 99, Venice historical center, Italy [19]. Alloggi agli Artisti is a brand new hotel in a convenient location: only 150 meters away from the main central Venice railway station (Santa Lucia). Guests can choose between rooms with bathroom ensuite (with hairdryer), and rooms with sharing bathroom on the floor (cheaper). From €50 to €90 for a double room, depending on the season.

Alloggi La Gondola, Calle del Forno 180 (Follow the canale grande, after crossing the big station bridge turn west for 150 m (164 yd)). €20.

Alloggi Calderan, Campo san Geremia, Cannaregio 283, close to the railway station, bed in dorm 25 €.

Alloggi Santa Sofia Cannaregio 4185, 30131 Venice Tel. +39 041.2770997 fax +39 041.5206998. [20]. The Alloggi Santa Sofia Lodgings are an alternative to the pensions in Venice , and is an excellent starting point for a vacation in the unusual streets of Venice .

Antica Villa Graziella, Via Coletti, 6 Marghera, 30175 Ph. +39 041.921655 Fax +39 041.921931 [21]. Hotel Antica Villa Graziella, a Mestre hotel near Venice , is in an ideal location to visit Veniceand its mainland.

B&B Faronhof Via Seriola Veneta sx, 51 Oriago di Mira, 30030 tel +39 041 428363, fax +39 041 563 1829. [22]. (Family run bed and breakfast near to the center of Venice, offers free internet and bike hire) €35-€58 for a double room (2 persons).

B&B La Rosa dei Venti Castello 2143, tel. +39 041 2413133, fax +39 041 7241062, [23].

B&b Residenza Ai Giardini Venezia Castello 747-748, 30100, Ph. +39 041.5232441 Fax +39 041 5239396. [24]. Bed & Breakfast Residenza ai Giardini welcomes its guests in a charming atmosphere for an authentic Venetian experience, far from the throngs of tourists.

B&B Venezia, via Degan 7, Venezia-Mestre [25]. (10 minutes by city-bus from center of Venice ). B&B is a young venetian organization that offers accomodation in a new structure made up of single and double bedrooms, all with private services, air conditioning, room bar, digital television with infrared-control, safe-box that can hold a portable computer. From € 40 per person/night.

Ca' del Pozzo, Venice , Ph. +39 041.2413875 Fax +39 041.2443203 [26]. Ca' del Pozzo is a brand new Bed & Breakfast in Venice, completely restructured in 2003 and situated in the characteristic Campo San Maurizio, a couple of steps from the famous La Fenice Theatre and just a few minutes from St. Mark's Square.

Ca' Rialto , Riva del Ferro, San Marco 5149 - Venice , Ph. +39.041.5209166 Fax +39.041.5238958 [27]. Located in a building overlooking the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge Singles from €50, doubles from €60 (extra bed €30).

Casa Tanzi Appartements, San Polo 1495, 30100, Tel. +39.041.2412550 Fax +39 041.2412550, [28].

Hotel Adriatico, Lista di Spagna, Cannaregio 224, Venezia tel. +39 041.715176 fax +39 041.717275 [29]. A typical Venetian building in the heart of the old city centre, close to the railway station.

Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo, S. Croce 2063, 30135, tel. +39 041.5244797, fax. +39 041.2759420, [[30]]

Hotel Al Vagon, Cannaregio 5619, Venezia [31]. The Hotel Vagon offers a restaurant, between the Rialto bridge and the Ca' d'oro museum, in the heart of the historic town centre: during the spring time you can have a very romantic dinner along the canal. Single from 40€, Double from 70€

Hotel Atlantide, Calle della Misericordia 375/A , Venezia [32] Ph. +39.041.716901 Fax +39.041.716994. The Hotel Atlantide offers affordable rooms near the station, just off Lista di Spagna. Easily accesed and found when arriving, it has clean and spacious rooms at 100€ a double.

Hotel Casa Boccassini, Cannaregio 5295, 30131, [33] Ph. +39.041.5229892 Fax +39.041.5236877. a typical Venetian house with garden and all amenities, just a few minutes from the Rialto Bridge Double rooms from 90 Euros.

Hotel CaSa Linger, Fondamtenta S.Antonin castello 3541. €22-40 per person/night.

Hotel Diana, Calle Specchieri 449, 30124 , Venezia [34] Ph. +39.041.5206911 Fax +39.041.5238763. The Hotel Diana, good prices on rooms 100 yards from the front entrance to Basilica San Marco. Excellent location to see the city, rooms at around €70 per person per night.

Hotel Giardinetto Piazzale Santa Maria Elis , 3, Venice Lido Hotel located 10 minutes by boat to/from Saint Mark's Square. Rooms with view on Venice lagoon available. Reachable directly by car. 5 minutes to the famous venice beach. 15 minutes to the main meeting-congress and the casino area. Cheapest prices for this hotel category. Completely restored in 1999. All rooms with. private bath/shower, TVC-Sat, Mini-bar, Air-cond., Central Heating Syst., Safety box in room, Direct dial Phone, Hair Dryer.

Hotel Moderno, Lista di Spagna, 154/B, 30121 , Venezia [35] Ph. +39.041. 716679 Fax +39.041. 717421. The Hotel Moderno is a small hotel with affordable rooms well placed to access the whole island by foot or public transport as it is next Santa Lucia train station. Simple and comfortable rooms from around €60-70 per person per night.

Hotel Reiter Gran Viale S. Maria Elisabetta 57/b, Venice Lido, Venice The Hotel Reiter is a 2 Star Hotel in Venice Located 10 minutes by boat from/to Saint Mark's Square. 150 meters from the main boat station and shuttle boat to/from Venice Airport Reachable directly by car, free park area. Next to the main Venetian Congress / Meeting area and Casino Palace Most reasonably priced Hotel among the Venetian 2 Star Hotels. Buffet Breakfast

Hotel Santa Lucia, Calle della Misericordia, 358. Tel +39 041 715180 (fax +39 041 710610, info@hotelslucia.com) [36]. Although it is in a not-so-old building, this hotel has some character and a homely feel to it. Also it is conveniently located very close to Venice 's railway station, the bus terminal, the vaporetto stop and the Lista di Spagna street. Singles/doubles from €40/50.

Hotel San Giorgio. Near the Fortuny Museum - this hotel is fairly basic but is only a few minutes walk from Piazza San Marco. Air conditioning worked well. From c80 euros per night.

Hotel Serenissima, Calle Goldoni 4486, San Marco 30124 , Venezia [37] Ph. +39.041. 5200011 Fax +39.041. 5223292. The Hotel Serenissima was completely refurbished at the of end 2006 - begining of 2007 and sits one minutes walk from Piazza San Marco. Simple and comfortable rooms from around €80 per person per night.

Hotel Zecchini, Lista di Spagna, 152, lang="ZH-CN" Batang; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-font-family: ? +39 041. 715066 (info@hotelzecchini.com, fax: +39 041. 715611), [38]. The Hotel Zecchini is very conviniently located next to Santa Lucia train station, and is a cosy little hotel with competitively priced accommodation. Great location with double rooms available from €110 a night.

Hotel Villa Parco Via Rodi 1, Venice Lido, Venice Hotel Villa Parco is a 3 Star Hotel located 15 minutes by boat to/from Saint Mark's Square. Reachable directly by car, free private parking area. 100 meters from the famous Venice Beach ; next to the Venetian Casino and the main Congress /Meeting area.

Locanda Gaffaro, Dorsoduro 3589, 30123 Ph.+39.041.2750897 Fax +39.041.2750375 [39] Locanda Gaffaro is located in a picturesque court near Piazzale Roma. Doubles from around €100.

Locanda Sant'Anna, C.te del Bianco, Castello 269 [40]. Locanda Sant'Anna of Venice is located only 3 minutes from the Gardens of the Biennale, providing a family atmosphere complete with modern comforts. Single from 35€, Double from 45€

Pensione Seguso Venice , D.D.779, 30123, Venezia [41] Ph. +39.041. 5286858 Fax +39.041. 5222340. The Pesione Seguso is a charming traditional Italian Pensione with affordable accommodation overlooking the waterfront close to San Marco. A bulding and Hotel with a long history, the spacious and light rooms start from €60 per person per night.

Relais agritourism Ormesani [42] is located in San Liberale di Marcon, conveniently placed to access the highway junctions of North Eastern Italy (A4 Trieste – Torino, A27 Mestre – Belluno) and Venice airport 7km. Venice is 20 km. Treviso 25 km. and Jesolo beach just 30 km. The Relais agritourism is near the historic center of Venice and the most famous cultural and tourist sites, such as Treviso and the ancient Altino. Taking the train is the best way of arriving to Venice Quarto d’Altino station is four and a half kilometers away. A train leaves here every half hour for the historic center (Santa Lucia station faces the Grand Canal !) which brings you to the city in 30 minutes.

Residenza Laguna Venice , S. Polo n° 1016, 30123, Venezia [43] Ph. +39.041. 2960575 Fax +39.041. 2447441. The Residenza Laguna is a great little B&B close to Ponte Rialto bridge with spacious and stylish rooms. Nice family run accommodation starting from €70 a head per night.

Stay safe

Venice is considered a safe city. One can walk down the darkest alley in the middle of the night and feel completely safe. You have to take the habitual travellers precautions, however. Keep your valuable items (like wallet and passport) close to you because there are pickpockets, especially in more crowded parts of the city. In addition, make sure you get receipts for all of your purchases (in order to fight tax evasion). Italian law requires customers to retain receipts and you could (in theory) be stopped by the Financial Police and asked to show receipts for your purchases.

Stay healthy

Venice has begun to install septic tanks in buildings, but much of the city has not yet been upgraded and releases untreated sewage directly into the canals. Shoes and clothing that touch the acqua alta will be contaminated. Take care not to spread the contamination.

One other consideration at night, carry a pocket torch (small flashlight). There are many alleys, which end in the water but have little or no lighting. They have no signposts because the locals know them.

Cope

The unfortunate side-effect of the quaint back-alleys which make Venice such a delight to visit is that it is remarkably easy to get lost. Even maps provided by hotels are frequently inaccurate, and the maze-like structure of the city can become very confusing indeed.

One tip, as you cross bridges note the house numbers before and after. A small change probably means you are on the same island/district and have crossed a "new" canal. A major change means you are now on another island. Most maps clump islands together into their voting districts, there are many more islands than districts.

One piece of assistance is to look for directional signs. These will be marked "Per" and then with the name of a prominent location or bridge in the city, complete with an arrow pointing in the relevant direction. Hence, to get to the Rialto bridge, the signs to follow are marked "Per Rialto". Those to St Mark's Square read "Per S Marco", and those to the train station "Per Ferrovia" (there are some others as well). Having oriented yourself to the nearest landmark, direction-finding can thus become (slightly) easier.

Remember, though, that the signs to read are the official ones. Graffiti will occasionally give other directions, frequently incorrect ones.

That said, there is a school of thought which argues that getting lost in Venice is part of the experience of the city. The number of photogenic canals, hidden restaurants and shops where glass blowing is done almost guarantees that there is no such thing as a "dull neighbourhood". Additionally, the relatively cheap public transport means that it is relatively easy to arrive at the intended destination even after one has emerged from the web of alleys in a totally unexpected place.

St. Mark's Square

Venice 30124 Italy

Open Hours

24 hrs

Overview

Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark's Square, is Venice 's most famous square. What appears to be a rectangle is actually a trapezium, and when you look up at the basilica, the piazza seems enormous, although it is only 175m long. On both sides of the piazza are the "Procuratie" buildings, which housed the procurators of San Marco. The oldest of these (probably built by Codussi) are on your left when you face the basilica; Longhena built the ones on the right later, in 1640. The most recent buildings, commissioned by Napoleon in 1810, lie behind.

10. Museo Correr

Piazza San Marco

Venice 30124 Italy

+39 41 522 5625

Open Hours

Mar-Oct: 9a-7p, Nov-Feb: 9a-5p

Overview

There is a silent and almost respectful ambience in this museum. Visitors enter by means of a staircase, originally built as a grand entrance to the Napoleonic royal palace. From here, the tour continues through neoclassical rooms, the Royal Palace , the Canoviana Collection, Venetian Civilisation, Antique Art, and Renaissance Bronze. There are many sculptures by Canova and decorative objects by Francesco Hayez. Venezia by Jacopo De' Barbari can be admired in the entrance. Admission is EUR9.

9. Basilica di San Marco

San Marco 328

Venice 30124 Italy

+39 41 522 5205 / +39 41 522 5697

Open Hours

Summer: 9:30a-5:30p M-Sa, 2p-5:30p Su, Winter: 10a-4p M-Sa, 2p-6p Su

Overview

Started in the 9th century, this church's architecture shows an eastern and Byzantine influence: note the golden altarpiece and the 13th- and 14th-century mosaics that illustrate the cycles of the Bible. The magnificent domes date from the 12th century. The Basilica houses the Marciano Museum , which contains the original bronze horses, copies of which are now on the terrace. Appreciation of the architecture is available 24 hours daily; the church is open for mass and touring visitors to appreciate daily.

3. Basilica di San Marco - Campanile

Piazza San Marco

Venice 30124 Italy

+39 41 522 4064

Open Hours

9:30a-4:30p

Overview

You get a splendid view from the tallest bell tower in Venice It can be seen from the lagoon, and once you have reached the top, the whole lagoon can be seen from above. Even though the tower was erected at the beginning of the 20th century, it is an exact replica of the 15th-century bell tower. In 1609, Galileo Galilei exhibited his telescope here, and during the carnival, the bell tower used to serve as a stage for the tight rope-walkers who entertained the doge with their acrobatics.

4. Ponte dei Sospiri

Sestiere di San Marco

Venice 30124 Italy

Open Hours

24 hrs

Overview

Some legends say that the Ponte dei Sospiri was called the Bridge of Sighs because it was a rendezvous for lovers; however, the truth tells a much sadder tale. The bridge, in fact was built to convey magistrates to the courts and prisoners to their fates. However, the baroque bridge, designed by Antonio Contino, still has a very romantic air to it, and remains an important historical landmark in Venice today.

Mon 10/29/07 (day 11) – Istanbul

Arrival

Oct 29, 2007

Milan (BGY) - Istanbul (SAW)

07:10 - 10:35

Cities	Days	Info
MILAN GENOA CINQUE TERRE PISA ROME VATICAN SIENA FLORENCE BOLOGNA VENICE	Fri 10/19/07 (day 1) - Milan Sat 10/20/07 (day 2) - Milan Mon 10/21/07 (day 3) – Genoa & Cinque Terre Mon 10/21/07 (day 3) – Cinque Terre Mon 10/22/07 (day 4) – Cinque Terre & Pisa Mon 10/22/07 (day 4) – Pisa Mon 10/23/07 (day 5) – Rome Mon 10/24/07 (day 6) – Rome & Vatican Mon 10/25/07 (day 7) – Vatican Mon 10/26/07 (day 8) – Siena & Florence Mon 10/27/07 (day 9) – Florence & Bologna Mon 10/27/07 (day 9) – Bologna & Venice Mon 10/28/07 (day 10) – Venice Mon 10/29/07 (day 11) – Istanbul	Milan Genoa Pisa Rome Citta del Vaticano Siena Florence Bologna Venice

DJames.net

ITALY

MILAN

Fri 10/19/07 (day 1) - Milan

Milan

Sat 10/20/07 (day 2) - Milan

GENOA

PISA

Mon 10/22/07 (day 4) – Pisa

Pisa

Mon 10/23/07 (day 5) – Rome

Rome

VATICAN

9. The Vatican

SIENA

Mon 10/26/07 (day 8) – Siena & Florence

Siena

FLORENCE

Mon 10/26/07 (day 8) – Siena & Florence

Mon 10/27/07 (day 9) – Florence & Bologna

Florence

5. Santa Maria del Fiore ("Duomo")

9. San Lorenzo

Mon 10/27/07 (day 9) – Bologna & Venice

Bologna

VENICE

Mon 10/27/07 (day 9) – Bologna & Venice

Mon 10/28/07 (day 10) – Venice

Venice

Mon 10/29/07 (day 11) – Istanbul

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