Tell me about Italy

[bluebug32]

I'm going to Italy for two weeks at the end of June. We have 2-3 nights in Sorrento, Rome, Florence, and Venice. Does anyone have any tips for traveling to the country? I'm particularly worried about theft, especially because I'll be carrying a DSLR camera. Should this be a big concern (I've heard stories of people's credit cards being overcharged, wallets stolen) or am I making too much of it? Also, any day trip suggestions from these cities? Hopefully, we'll rent some bikes (I don't think I can go two weeks without riding :p ).

[mimitabby]

Have spent a lot of time in Italy.
Use the same sense you'd use in New York, Chicago or San Francisco and you should be fine.

I've been ripped off once in Italy, and it was the official ticketseller at the train station, routinely giving bad change (we caught him at it the second time)

I don't expect you'll find many opportunities to ride in Rome and Sorrento, but near Florence you might have better luck. I have no experience in Venice.

It helps to look and act like a native. Italian women rarely wear shorts or bold prints or white sneakers for example.

Learn some Italian. Italians love to hear us try.

but yes, there are thiefs in Italy, as well as pickpockets. My husband carried his wallet in his front pants pocket instead of the rear pocket, and don't leave your camera sitting on a table ignored, you know, common sense stuff.
As for day trips, you're going to be so busy in each of those cities that a day trip probably won't be necessary.

[Thorn]

Yep...they're big cities and expect the same as you would in any other big city. People are the same everywhere--both the good and the bad. We got ripped off once with cab change. I'd left the cab to get the bags and DH was jet lagged. We chalked it up to our initiation fee.

When you carry the camera, make sure it is slung over you so it can't be snatched from a scooter--keep it on the side away from the road. Store your money and passport in a money belt.

In Rome, consider renting a bomber bike and riding down the Appian Way. There are places to rent at the city-end of the park. Not fast riding, but a way to be able to see a healthy length of it.

If you're into things archaelogical, a train trip from Sorrento to Pompeii or Herculaneum is a great day trip. There is some nice walking out of Sorrento, down the coast. We were in Sorrento in January a few years back. Off season, but still busy. I wouldn't want to think about riding those roads on a bike in season. Last year's Giro riders weren't happy on the penninsula either. They had the road closed for them, but it twists and turns with a cliff down on one side and a cliff up on the other.

Buon viaggio!

[bluebug32]

Thanks!

And, yes, we're going to Pompeii too.

My biggest concern is with bringing this backpack (camera case in bottom - zips and snaps shut, backpack on top). I wouldn't put anything of value on top, but would have a camera lens in the case (camera would be around my neck).

Do you think backpacks like this are a bad idea? It's hard to open the bottom of this pack while it's on and you feel pressure from what's in the backpack on the bottom and on your back if you're trying to open the bottom compartment.

http://products.lowepro.com//CatalogImages/18-1989-IMG1.jpeg

[OakLeaf]

Our favorite place in/around Venice was the little island of Torcello. But on a short stay like yours, I guess you have to see the major sights - you definitely wouldn't want to miss San Marco. Immediately to the mainland of Venice is a rather industrial area, and you'd probably lose a lot of time trying to get to and from someplace nice to ride. One thing I did notice about Venice proper, that I hadn't thought about before we got there, was the complete absence of adult bicycles (for the same reason that there are no other wheeled vehicles there). You will see small children on bikes in and around via Garibaldi and Biennale park, but seven or eight seems to be about the limit where the kids and their bikes outgrow the tiny islands.

+1 on just exercising common sense and situational awareness to prevent theft. My mom had her purse picked in a very elaborate distraction scheme in Vienna. Tourist cities are tourist cities, and from what little I've seen in two trips and five cities, I don't think Italy deserves the reputation it has among some Americans.

[OakLeaf]

I see a lot of people wearing their backpacks in front on public transport - not only on the vaporetti, but on the trains and buses in US cities. If you're not big busted it's not uncomfortable.

ETA: DH's favored camera bag is the Lowepro Orion: http://products.lowepro.com//CatalogImages/18-1986-IMG1_LRG.jpeg He has backpacks, but of course a camera or lens in a backpack isn't accessible to the shooter, never mind whether it's accessible to pickpockets. The pack comes with a shoulder strap that takes some of the weight off the belt strap.

[mimitabby]

I think the backpack you picked out is fine. When you're nervous wear it in the front.

I love the transvesuviana train that goes from Naples to Pompeii. I imagine it would be SRO in June though (standing room only)


we sat with three little old ladies all the way from Naples to Pompeii. Each of them had photos of their dead parents in their wallets. It was so sweet.

[Mr. Bloom]

Beware of gypsys with kids, and/or pushing strollers, carrying a piece of cardboard. The kids are a distraction, and the cardboard covers their hand while they try to pick your pocket. If they approach you, yell "attentione" to draw attention to you and distract them.

Like mimi, I suspect the backpack is fine, but you have to beware of the running snatch if you're resting. It's fine on you, but when you're resting, it's a big target... with straps that are easy to grab on the run. Having said that, I carried one in Italy and had no problem.

Remember, Italy is barely a "second world" country...but it beautiful indeed.

Also, some of the cathedrals will require that women have their knees and shoulders covered. It's a good idea to cover a light weight scarf if you want to enter these sites.

I'll PM you our travel journal from our trip there a few years ago.

[Crankin]

I spent a week in Siena and Florence and had no problems whatsoever. I just carried a regular purse or larger leather carry all, slung cross ways across my chest. I didn't feel unsafe anywhere, at least not more than I would in any other big city. Of course, in Siena, we were visiting my son who was studying there, so a lot of the time he was with us, translating for us, speaking for us, and leading us (talk about a role reversal). We even managed to rent bikes, get lost, and climb to the top of a mountain that is part of the Giro:eek:. That's the only time I ever saw my husband get off the bike and walk, mostly because we had no idea how long the climb was (we were actually 3 km from the summit. We flagged down a tri athlete from France who was bombing down the mountain and somehow, with no English, we figured out where we were).
I hope no one takes this the wrong way, but I have found that a good way to avoid trouble in Europe is to dress like a European... no sneakers, fanny pack, baseball cap, etc. I have a couple of pairs of very cool looking walking shoes, that I bought in Vienna and Prague that I wear on all of my trips.

[alpinerabbit]

Beware of gypsys with kids....
And beggars are often organized gangs: the person going around will have to deliver the cash to the leader. don't give.

Remember, Italy is barely a "second world" country...but it beautiful indeed..
You know what, the overall standard in Italy is not very far away from where you live. It may look different but don't misunderestimate....

Also, some of the cathedrals will require that women have their knees and shoulders covered. It's a good idea to cover a light weight scarf if you want to enter these sites. Good suggestion.

And good comparison on safety level with SF, NY, Chicago.

Now for things to DO :cool:: check out some really good restaurants.

:D:D:DAnd when you do, please do not "eek" loudly about the octopus for appetizer, or complain about the piece of fat on the chianina entrecôte, or that it is not "done". Nor should you then proceed to complaining in loud english that the place does not meet the expectations set by your guidebook. Because the waiters, and nearby guests, will understand.:D

Observed in Siena and just about spoiled my dinner. I expect your standard of manners to be a bit higher than that of the trophy wife who did the above.

Also dress "smart" - most Italian ladies who can afford it are quite the fashionistas.

[OakLeaf]

Couldn't have said it better myself, rabbit.


Also dress "smart" - most Italian ladies who can afford it are quite the fashionistas.

Among the many things that told me I wasn't in "Kansas" any more was seeing policewomen wearing pants that actually looked good on them :D

[Mr. SR500]

Have a great time. Be careful, but we felt as safe as anywhere in the US. RENT A BIKE! Riding is AWESOME! While you are in Florence, these guys rent nice road bikes (Bianchi's I think):

http://www.florencebybike.it/

They also speak perfect English, and can give routes and offer suggestions. Getting out of Florence is hectic by bike, but doable.

Also visit the countryside. Cities are nice, but the county and villages are what I miss the most. There are many galleries and things to see in the cities, but I miss the old villages, and people (very weathered and hearty). We saw very few overweight people.

Lastly, rent Under the Tuscan Sun. It has some beautiful shots.

[NoNo]

We went to Venice, Florence with a day trip to Sienna, and Rome with a day trip to Pompeii. Had always heard the warnings about the "gypsies" trying to steal things from you, but never had any troubles. Never felt unsafe. As has been stated, if you make an effort to learn a little Italian, it's greatly appreciated. Most merchants know enough English that you'll be able to get by, but it doesn't hurt to know the basics. And not dressing like a typical American helps, too. I think I bought 3 skirts while I was there. They take their fashion seriously, and I kind of liked that they took some pride in their appearance and didn't just walk around in pajama bottoms and dirty sweatshirts. Just use common sense and you'll be fine. Oh, and if someone is bugging you, yell "VA!" :D

[bluebug32]

I appreciate all the great suggestions and PMs!

I'm really excited about the food and looking forward to trying whatever they put in front of me. That's what I did in France, and it was exciting to try all the local cuisines.

I took Spanish for years and am trying to get my mind to start thinking more in Italian.

As for dress, the scarf is a great suggestion (and won't take up much room). I'm mainly bringing skirts and tops that are easy to rinse out and won't wrinkle. I also have a pair of black sandals.

I've heard that June can be a tricky month weather-wise, especially traveling from the south to the north. I plan on packing a 3/4 length top, a light jacket, a light sweater, and a pair of pants and shorts. Other than that, it will be tank tops and short sleeve shirts. I'm assuming this will be fine? Any suggestions for June weather?

[mimitabby]

Remember, Italy is barely a "second world" country...but it beautiful indeed.

.

Oh please. Mr S, their Infant mortality rate is half of ours. You have no idea.


BlueBug, coming from NewYork, you'll probably be fine weather wise. For me, from the cool Pac NW, it would be unbearably hot. You might never need that sweater.

oh, and you know about the no sleeveless blouses rule in the churches right?

[NoNo]

If it does get hot, their A/C isn't nearly what we're accustomed to here, so be prepared to sweat!

When you're in Tuscany, make sure you have cinghiale (wild boar). In Venice, have all the seafood you can, especially the spaghetti al neri (it's made with the ink from cuttlefish, turns your mouth black:eek: ). Rome has more of the types of food that you find in restaurants here. Oh, and the place that invented fettucini alfredo is there, naturally called "Alfredo's". In Florence, there was a restaurant on the same street as our hotel and it was so fantastic, we ate there twice (we're 100% Italian, so we're probably a little more picky about what's good and what's just decent). I highly recommend la Giostra (http://www.ristorantelagiostra.com/inglese/frameset.html). When you sit, they pour you prosecco and bring over a platter of warm figs, rabbit liver pate (I'd never had liver, but loved it), grilled veggies, and caprese with buffalo mozzarella, all complimentary. The dinners were out of this world, and there was a chocolate cake that was by far the best I'd ever had. I wish I could remember the name of the wine shop we stumbled upon (and out of :p). Free wine tasting, as much as you wanted. They had 8 bottles out and she kept opening more!

This is making me miss Italy so much! Good thing we're going back next year! I'm sure you'll have an equally good time.

[michelem]

Although we weren't exactly where you will be, we were near Florence in the Tuscany region . . . we were there late June-early July and I wish I had brought warmer clothes for the COOL evenings. A light sweater was not enough in my opinion.

We were there on a cycling tour and it was AMAZING. We brought one carry--on bag each (did not check any bags) and kept the locks on them at all times (except when we needed to get into them for something!). For my Canon S3IS, I used the Topeak handlebar bag that Thorn has mentioned elsewhere - it was a perfect fit. However, I didn't have any adapters or add'l lenses at that time (getting ready to order some soon!), and I'm not sure a SLR would fit . . . might be worth checking out though. I liked that I could take it off the bike and wear it as a waist-pack, or cross-wise over the shoulder and across the chest. I always kept it to the front of me. As far as the carry-on, it converted to a backpack and I did keep it on my back, but again, it was locked.

Have fun! I really wish we could go again someday . . . Sigh . . .

[OakLeaf]

I think for as small as the country is, it has a lot of climate variations. So probably the best advice is to pack layers.

We were in Emilia-Romagna (Bologna, Ravenna, Rimini area) in late June and it was just brutally hot (over 90F in the daytime - sorry I still think in Fahrenheit even when I'm in Europe, so that's how I remember it) But the next night in Milan was very comfortable. There was still snow on the Alps as we continued to travel north.

Venice, Trento and Trieste we did in April, and the weather was nice - a bit of rain, daytime highs mostly in the 50s. As you'd expect, Venice is very damp. I've heard it's actually not all that pleasant in full summer, and I could definitely see how that would be.

And yes - I'm jealous too - eagerly looking forward to my next trip!