(a re-post)
Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company? (Zicasso / Cultural Italy)
This is my second trip to Italy, and my wife's first. I was looking for a service that would help facilitate transportation, lodging, and museum reservations, without micro-managing every detail of our days in Rome and Florence. I was looking for the freedom to spontaneously do some things on our own when time permitted. While the fatigue of travel can dent one's free time, we really couldn't have asked for better support. (There was only one occasion where we were unable to make a connection to a hotel shuttle at the Rome airport, but Cultural Italy ended up reimbursing us for a taxi.)
The benefit of Cultural Italy was so much more than simply a collection of practical services, though. Most of the museum guides we had were one-on-one, and their knowledge was extensive. For Rome's Castel San Angelo and the Pantheon, for instance, my wife and I were paired with a lifelong resident of Rome, fluent in English, who was in the process of earning a doctorate in Roman history (or related field). His knowledge and expertise made the walking tour so fascinating. He even took a question from me on the mysterious disappearance of the Ninth Roman Legion beyond Hadrian's Wall in Roman Britain. He was able to share new and exciting historical evidence on the matter. It was more than a cultural or sightseeing experience; it was truly a learning experience. This is precisely what we were looking for as well.
While one of the hotels was less than perfect--e.g. almost no hot water--by and large the accommodations were a delight. The breakfast at Hotel Dei Mellini was truly astonishing, greatly exceeding our expectations. We were also pleasantly surprised that this same hotel's neighborhood within downtown Rome was so quiet after nightfall. The local knowledge that connected us with this establishment in particular was greatly appreciated.
What were the most enjoyable or memorable parts of your trip?
The most enjoyable parts of the trip included the first day in Rome and our days in Florence. Perhaps the most memorable moment for me was taking my wife on a horse and carriage ride in Florence. This was something she had mentioned wanting to do in the past--such as Kansas City--but it never really worked out until Florence. To see how delighted she was made me all the more glad that we made the journey. Touring the Vatican with my wife would also have to be high on the memorable list. As new Catholics, this part of the journey felt a bit like a pilgrimage for us. (I even brought fellow Knights of Columbus members' prayers with me to offer in Saint Peter's.)
All in all, the most important thing is having had the opportunity to introduce my wife to the stunning beauty of Italy's art, architecture, landscapes, and (not to be forgotten) people.
If you could take your trip again, what would you do differently?
First, I wouldn't have taken T-Mobile's advice on my particular phone plan working in Italy; it didn't. Our phones were expensive paperweights until I upgraded my plan while staying in Florence. This ended up creating a lot of unnecessary stress for us--particularly when circumstances separated us for brief periods of time.
Second, ensure that my secondary e-mail is not going to suddenly stop working when I arrive in Italy. This almost created a snag in getting COVID pre-flight test results forwarded from Abbott. (Automatic forwarding means that I don't directly access this particular account regularly.)
Less important items... I'd have reached out straightaway about the lack of hot water and poor ventilation at the Hotel Duomo in Florence. It made the time there a little tricky, and I didn't know at the time whether or not hot water was a legitimate expectation. (The cut hot dogs as breakfast meat were not too appealing here either.)
For the 12-hour bus tour of Tuscany, more time was needed to ensure adequate restroom access. It was a tad...difficult at the start of the day.
Practical Notes for the US Citizen Traveling to Italy
1. Upgrade cell phone plan if necessary to ensure coverage. "Pay as you Go" plans--e.g. T-Mobile--won't necessarily provide you the level of communication you need to feel safe and secure,
2. Be sure to bring enough cash (Euros). You may want to spend it at the airport at the end rather than bring it back to exchange again due to associated fees.
3. Don't depend on a single credit card. Bring several. American Express, for example, is accepted at only about 50-60%of Italian establishments. Taxi drivers prefer cash. If you ask for a receipt, ensure that they have not inflated the fare as a "favor." Be aware of foreign transaction fees and try to avoid them. Using debit cards abroad is not recommended.
4. Don't expect courteous drivers. Whether you're attempting to cross a busy street or taking a cab, be prepared for the unexpected. Drivers generally don't stop for pedestrians, and taxi drivers would likely be arrested for reckless driving in the United States. (We particularly enjoyed one taxi driver using the wrong lane to drive in for a block or two just outside the Vatican's wall.)
5. Public bathrooms are not only a rarity in much of Italy, but there is also often a charge of a pound to use them. Even American companies like McDonalds, are picking up this bad habit. Bring coins! In a related vein, watch where you step just off of central streets in cities like Rome. The homeless don't appear to have enough facilities.
6. Hotels use a keycard to activate power and lights for individual rooms. You'll be groping in the dark until you find the card slot. (See below.)
7. Hotels often only offer half showers. This just means that there is no curtain or glass all the way. It can make for colder showers and wet, slippery floors. Don't slip!
8. Tipping is often considered rude. Whatever you do, don't leave the tip on the table or add to your final bill as you do in the USA. It's best to ask first before offering a tip. It's generally fine for drivers and tour guides. Be courteous and respectful.
9. Bring a map with you!
10. If you're not using a tour company, be sure to buy admission tickets before you depart for Italy.
11. Ensure that you consistently carry your passport and any applicable medical documentation that is required. Different areas within the same country may have very different requirements.
12. Be aware that street signs often show destinations rather than actual street names--which may be situated above the buildings. If you take a photo of the sign for later reference, you may not end up where you wish if you convey the location on the sign to the driver rather than the street. Speaking of streets, don't expect them to follow a north-south or east-west orientation.
13. Expect to wash your clothes by hand in the hotel room.
14. Remember to bring power adapters, so that you can charge your devices in your room, etc. (I strongly recommend this brand.)
15. It's helpful not to check your bags going into Italy, but check one or two only on your way back home. Keep in mind that you'll be doing a lot of walking, and that you will become very personally acquainted with your luggage over time.
16. Be constantly aware of your surroundings and potential dangers. Sometimes, even very nice hotels may have serious security gaps that prevent you from keeping a window open at night, such as balconies that are open on both sides. (See below.)
17. Italians in the know will suggest that you barter in the markets and shops. If you're comfortable doing this, do it politely and respectfully. If you don't know what you're doing, it's best to avoid doing this too much. It tends to make you look like a dumb, stereotypical tourist flailing. For most of us, US citizens traveling abroad, we can pay a little more to help support the local economy we're visiting.
18. Take it from me, Italian is a complex language to learn. If possible, don't assume everyone you meet is fluent in English. Greet them politely in Italian, then ask in Italian whether they speak English. Don't unconsciously speak more loudly! This is common courtesy.
19. Bathroom etiquette in Italy is a little different from that in the United States. You'll have women and men frequently in the same restrooms (or passing closely by). The differences are subtle, but don't be upset to see someone of the opposite sex waiting outside your stall.
20. If you decide to visit an Italian cathedral for Mass, it's tacky and discourteous to leave in the middle of the service; it's distracting to others. Don't give other US tourists a bad name; be respectful.
21. Lastly... Don't miss our trip video!
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