Going to Italy. Need tips and hints

[Courtesy Flush]

Next spring I'm going to europe for the first time.

I can't travel very freely, 'cause I'll be on a group thing. Rome, Pompeii, Capri, are on the agenda, as well as others.

Any seasoned travelers have tips for the uninitiated?

[BrotherBuzz]

1. Lose ten pounds BEFORE you go

and go hog wild enjoying the food - guilt-free. :)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. I agree with the weight loss idea...

And to that I would add, if you're not very fit, get going and perk up your fitness level!

You will walk a lot, and if you're in pretty good shape, you'll enjoy the trip more!

Have a terrific time! I haven't been to Italy yet, but I know it's gorgeous!

Take (and post) lots of pics!

:woohoo: :woohoo:

[Courtesy Flush]

6. Good advice

I'm not overweight, but I'm not in good walking condition, as I'm handicapped, and middle aged. With a little exercise, I'm sure I'll fare a lot better.

[Patiod]

9. You may want to skip Venice if you're handicapped

When I was there I kept thinking what a nightmare that city would be if you were in a wheelchair or had trouble walking - the whole city is stairs and more stairs - stairs onto bridges, stairs off of bridges.

[Courtesy Flush]

10. I don't think we'll be going that direction

But I'll keep it in mind in the future. Maybe I'll bring my kayak :)

[Phillycat]

3. Take the most comfortable shoes you own.

Do not worry about being fashionable shoes-wise, and do not buy a new pair before you go, unless it's six months before and you have time to break them in.

[montanto]

4. Just got back from all those places

1. What they said about the shoes. Comfort first. We walked probably 10 miles through Rome in one day. (cobblestones are painful on the feet) Some people in our group looked as though they would need to have their feet amputated!

2. Learn a few basic words of Italian. They all speak English anyway, but they like you a lot more if you try it their way. Makes 'em friendlier!

3. Try to wear clothing without advertising that pegs you as American. No Dale Ernhart t-shirts, silly slogans in English (I'm with Stupid), etc. Italians aren't as dressy as they once were, but try not to stand out.

4. Eat pizza in Rome.

5. Restaurants close to the docks on Capri are far more expensive than those up the hill. We spent 30 + Euros on lunch! Yikes! Eat seafood here.

6. Pompeii might be a letdown. Most of the good stuff from there (human body casts, mosaics, pottery etc,) are at the museum in Napoli.

7. House wines are cheap and good everywhere.

8. Have a blast. You're gonna love Italy.

Since you are with a group you won't have much time or the means to explore much else. The tour guides are generally good and they will take you to the places you should see in these cities. We spent almost 4 weeks in Italy but only a few days of that was with a tour group so we could drive into the country and explore a little more.

If I think of something else, I'll get back.

[deadparrot]

5. If you're going to visit churches,

remember to dress modestly. Skirts, slacks, etc., that are below the knee, and no bare arms, low-cut tops, etc. You'll miss out on some gorgeous art if they don't let you in. :)

[Phillycat]

7. Oh, I forgot.

You can't go into the Vatican if you are female and in pants. You have to wear a below-the-knee skirt.

[cwydro]

8. Bring back pics!

You are so lucky!

[Katina]

11. back to the shoes and other suggestions

If you are going to wear sneakers, make sure they are dark in color and don't look like sneakers...they peg you as an american.
If you are a woman, and you have a sleeveless top on due to the warm weather, they will stop you, so bring a little cardigan or just wear a top with short sleeves.
During the day, drink LOTS of bottled water. You will be walking a lot and you can dehydrate in the dry sun.
Have Gellato it's fantastic!
Don't worry about your weight, you will be walking so much that you might actually lose weight there...even with all the fabulous food. I know I did.
If you've never had figs, try them in Italy. They are delicious.
Take lots of pictures and make sure you have a bunch of pictures taken with yourself or your traveling companions in them, not just pictures of the sights.

[Courtesy Flush]

12. I bought an extra 256 MB chip for my camera

That brings me up to 512 MB. That ought to do it B-)

[CabalPowered]

13. Watch for pickpocketers around all the major tourist traps

They're everywhere and they're sneaky. Besides that, drink lots of wine! :toast:

[pdx_prog]

14. Look for Olive Garden's

test kitchen....

:evilgrin:

[trof]

15. Take a few rolls of your favorite antacid.

Seriously.
The food is fantastic, but you never know when a combination of what you had for lunch and dinner and that apertif and the red wine will bring on an acid attack.

I never had a bad meal in Italy.
Get away from 'American' Italian like meatballs and spaghetti and try some local dishes.
They do amazing things with artichokes.