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 the transportation, lodging, and museum reservations, while not micro-managing everything about our days in Rome and Florence. I was looking for freedom to spontaneously do some things on our own when time permitted. While the fatigue element of traveling has a way of denting 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 and 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 exactly 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?
I think the most enjoyable parts of the trip included the first day in Rome as well as 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 well. 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, I think the most important thing is having to 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'd have not taken the T-Mobile advice on my particular phone plan working in Italy; it didn't. Our phones were basically expensive paperweights until I managed to upgrade my plan while staying in Florence. This ended-up creating a lot of unnecessary stress for us--particularly when circumstances separated the two us for brief periods of time.
Second, ensure that my secondary e-mail was not going to suddenly stop working when I arrived 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 difficult, 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, there needed to be a little more time spent 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 seem to 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 out of the country 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 don't generally stop for pedestrians, and taxi drivers would likely be arrested for reckless driving if 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, there is 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 main 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 if you may offer a tip before doing so. 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 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 on the buildings. If you take a photo of the sign for later reference, you may still may not end up where you wish if you convey the location identified on the sign to the driver as opposed to the street. Speaking of streets, don't expect them to follow 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 checking 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 even keeping a window open at night such as continuous balconies. (See below.)
17. Italians in the know will suggest that you barter in the markets and shops. If you're comfortable doing this politely and respectfully, then go for it, If you don't know what you're doing, best avoid doing this too much. It tends to make you look like a dumb, stereotypical tourist who is just flailing. For most of us US citizens traveling abroad, we can afford to pay a little more to help support the local economy we're visting.
18. Take it from me, Italian is a hard language to learn. If possible, though, don't assume everyone you meet has English fluency. Greet them politely in Italian and ask in Italian if they speak English. Don't unconsciously speak more loudly! This is common courtesy.
19. Bathroom etiquette in Italy is a little different than 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 a bad name to other US tourists; be respectful.
21. Lastly... Don't miss our trip video!
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