Favourite things about Italy (Pisa, Cinque Terre, Florence, Sienna, Rome. Venice and Naples):
– B says the CT trail was amazing and a definite must do. I have to admit even just going between villages on the ferry, the views were stunning. The regional wine is also pretty fab!
– Florence is still one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to. B asked me to add that the pastries in Florence are delicious! Breakfast every day is an adventure.
– Climb the bell tower in Florence (not the Duomo, which is crowded and terrifying) as well as the facade in Siena. Both have amazing views of the surrounding city and countryside. Breathtaking.
– Venice was amazing and a must see. In particular we went on a gondolier trip with the most amazing gentleman. He only charged us 120€ for almost an hour, gave a running commentary, took about 90 photos of us and also directed us to a supermarket so we could bring our own wine, no hassles! Can not recommend him enough, you can find him at this location:
– The restaurant we went to on the first night in Rome (see pics on the day 19 post ) was unbelievably good! Well done Rome. It’s also amazing to walk around all these old ruins and constructions and see just how detailed they were. Something we just can’t do in Australia really! We were so lucky with the weather.
– The food we had in Naples was amazing and cheap, definitely less tourist pricing here than in other areas we visited. Loved the local colour we had by staying in Toledo, although it could be a little overwhelming at times.
Not-so-good stuff about Italy (Pisa, Cinque Terre, Florence, Sienna, Rome, Venice and Naples):
– The goddam tourists in CT were horrendous and we were pretty much in off season. I know, I know…I’m a tourist too! But I mean the absolute masses of people that were just behaving like inconsiderate muppets. Blocking entrances, shoving to get photos, not moving for other people, causing huge delays on the paths by refusing to allow people to pass them….argh. I love the intrepid travel “responsible travel” ideal but I’m not quite sure how supporting this element of CT falls into that category! To be fair, we did stay in a local town and supported small business with our accommodation choice and restaurant options however.
– Still not a huge fan of Pisa, very over-rated in my opinion. All very gimmicky and it is 18€ just to climb the tower! Which we didn’t do….although Percy may have tried hehehe
– Everywhere we have been in Europe there are a lot of smokers. Being Australian, where it is rapidly becoming less common, we struggle with the smell, the constant ignorance of no smoking signs and just the rudeness of it as there is no consideration for others when they blow smoke in your face. Since we have both been unwell travelling through Italy (interesting how both times I’ve been to Europe, I have ended up with a very nasty chest infection…hmmm) the prolific smoking has become something we both identified as a turn off for us here.
– Other than the gondolier (mentioned above), the really good restaurant and the amazing scenery…unfortunately not much was good about the people/service in Venice. The hotel management and staff were absolutely appalling (worst review I have ever left on trip advisor), staff in the attractions were rude and don’t even get me started on the baggage check guy! Gah. I know Italy has a certain reputation but Venice takes the cake in that regard.
– I still maintain the Vatican museum in Rome is the most overrated tourist experience ever. I refused to go this time around and B did, he shared my sentiments.
– Naples traffic. Holy crap. All the things you read online are NOT an exaggeration. It’s literally every person for themselves and it is terrifying…this gives you a 50 second example of some of it: http://youtu.be/7gYa-gdy22I
– B wants me to add that he has named Italy the land of scaffolding, smoking and shit service. Ha!
Mel's Travel Blog 