We officially decided last night that we'd like to spend one week in Paris, and one week somewhere in Italy, but we're not sure where.
We're looking for somewhere that has a lot of that old-world charm - somewhere that's great for just hanging out - going to little cafes, shopping, sight-seeing. We're not so much looking to see the tourist spots, we would more just like somewhere we can spend our days wandering aimlessly and experience the culture a bit.
It will be probably the first week of March (2011).. We're from Ontario, Canada so cold isn't a problem, but I certainly wouldn't object to somewhere a bit warmer!
What's your favourite city in Italy? What's the Amalfi coast like at that time of year?
Re: Cities in Italy - recommendations?
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[QUOTE]Thanks Amoro! I've heard a lot of good feedback about Florence. Any recommendations on places to stay?
Posted by glam70s[/QUOTE]
I've only stayed overnight there once, and that hotel, while having a very good breakfast and having great service, was just all around weird. It was very... Italian renassaince mod. If you can imagine.
I will rock the boat a bit.
Florence has some great art, but largely is a congested city. You miss quite a bit of Tuscan charm. Instead, you get a billion leather shops and goldsmiths with mass-produced tat. I would not skip it all together, but I would only invest a day or so. You can easily see all the sights by booking tickets to the major sights before you get there. If your heart is set, I last stayed in www.hotellascaletta.it. It is just on the other side of the bridge which drops the price and has old world charm.
I would actually recommend staying in or near Sienna (my absolute favorite Tuscan city) and taking a day trip to Florence, Arrezo, San Gimigiano, or any number of the other amazing villages in the area. On my honeymoon, we stayed in a private apartment on a working winery called San Fabiano and had a rental car to get around.
As you are looking for places to stay, I would use www.venere.com. It is a European hosted site and has the best prices. I have lived in Europe for the past 5 years and use this site often.
As to Cinqueterre, I did that on my honeymoon as well and loved it. That being said, we went in the summer. I cannot imagine going in March. The beauty of the villages are the vibrancy and warmth. There are very few points of historical or artistic interest. You simply wander around, hike, eat, and enjoy the sun.
Thanks again for the feedback on Florence!
Does anyone have any feedback on Rome?
I've spent some time looking at photos of various cities and so far Rome seems to best suit the image I have in my head when I think "Italy", if that makes any sense.
[QUOTE]My favorite city, hands down, is Florence. It's got oodles of Renaissance charm, and is also a major train hub, so you could easily hit other beautiful Tuscan cities such as Arezzo, Sienna, and the Cinque Terre (though it will be very out of season for those at that time of year). It will probably be slightly chilly and a bit drizzly, but so, so worth it.
Posted by AmoroAgain[/QUOTE]
<div>Agree 100%. Of all the cities, Florence was my favorite. I had so much fun and at least when I was there, everyone was very friendly.</div>
We're staying in an apartment in Paris for a week in May for our honeymoon.
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Loved The Tuscan area, in particular a little town called Montecatini, close to Florence. Florence was nice, but I did prefer Rome. However, if I could go right now, anywhere in Italy, I would pick Capri. Amazing!