"Several "wow" momentsTaking in the architecture and streets of Venice, viewing how the light falls on the water in the canals - I can see why artists have flocked there. If you are doing a trip pay for a guided tour they will enhance your activity. The rooms were very clean, modern, and comfortable. Thank you to Tina our wonderful guide. (for members only) has a killer 15-meter pool on its rooftop where you can dine all day in stylish open-air booths. Learned a lot of history through art. The live music, the view of the Basilica of San Marco and all the people enjoying the evening was really cool. The website gave excellent information and described the activity level to a T. The accommodations were in great locations and comfortable. Fantastic from start to finish. "Stepping out onto the floor of the Colosseum has been a bucket list item for years. For real deal Roman neighborhood vibes, you cant skip Da Remo in Testaccio, and in contrast, the luxurious Hotel Edens casual restaurant, Il Giardino, serves deliciously light pizzas made with four types of flour and organic ingredients. Chat to someone who knows how to help, at any time, in your preferred language. At its base, you can see the Ponte SantAngelowith Berninis exquisitely carved marble angels. They really made the history come alive. Microsofts Activision Blizzard deal is key to the companys mobile gaming efforts. Going into the ancient wine cellar and then learning about how to pair wine and food while in such a beautiful setting - absolutely awesome. "My sister told me, "you will never have a bad meal in Italy"she was so wrongI've never had such amazing food, wine & gelatoall served with joyand did I mention the gelatoyes, we have it at home, but it just isn't the same if you aren't eating it along the Arno River in Florence. "learning about and viewing The Coloseum and Forum from a humanistic perspective rather than a recitation of dates and facts.". Nice place to stay in Rome! Another was on our first night in Rome. Rick Steves gave us a trip of a lifetime! The guides were wonderful and greatly added to the experience. The afternoon and evening are free to explore the imposing Doge's Palace, take in a church concert, waltz on St. Mark's Square, or pub-crawl your way through this unique city. I just about cried". Everything was so well organized. Went by so quickly. I was surprised to find that many of the venues we visited were very crowded, a lot of pent up demand I guess. The accommodations were an important part of the experience and we thought they were excellent choices. The tour was well organized and very informative! Historically and aesthetically Venice is similar to Florence but MUCH harder to navigate. I couldn't imagine a city with waterways and without cars. You'll be free this afternoon to wander through the nearby Palatine ruins, visit St. Peter-in-Chains Church (home to Michelangelo's Moses), or climb to the top of the Victor Emmanuel Monument to enjoy a panoramic city view. moment.". We could not have asked for better people on our tour and our tour guide was amazing!! It was so nice to have all hotels, transp, sites all scheduled - left us free to enjoy all that was offered without having to worry about logistics. One of Romes great joys is losing yourself in the narrow cobblestone streets that make upCentro Storico. The tour was extremely educational and interesting. Acer is introducing two new gaming monitors into its Predator range at CES 2023, and both are outfitted with OLED panels. Roman Jewish kosher food is unique to the neighborhood. Looking at booking another or one or two Rick Steves trips in 2023. The stunning Lumen Bar at the St Regis has an exciting cocktail and aperitif offering. It was very well organized. "There are so many great moments. Travel Secrets Unveiled: Where Does the Money Tossed in the Trevi Fountain Go? Hotel 55 Fifty-Five - Maison d'Art Collection. WiFi is free throughout. I learned so much. WebCall to plan a cruise: 1-833-GO-TO-SEA with a cruise advisor Debuted in October 2021, Rotterdam welcomes up to 2,668 guests. We were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary on this trip and I felt like it was a very special and romantic moment to be in the gondola with the musicians singing to us!". You can book most in-person experiences as private events for a small additional fee. The second room was quite a bit nicer than the first. I also really enjoyed the wine tasting in Orvieto; Alessandro was fantastic. boasts the Campocori restaurant that could be more defined as a dark and lavish dinner club. The amount of time with the group and free time was apportioned just right. "Forum mostly because our amazing guide Francesca.". I enjoyed every single activity, specifically the wine tasting, cooking class and group dinner in each city. The Acer eKinekt BD 3 uses the kinetic energy of exercise to charge devices while users work. We'll drive straight to Florence this morning and hit the ground walking with a Renaissance tour of the city's historic center. In Florence, we hiked up to the Piazza Michelangelo at sunset and were mesmerized by the beauty of the city in the setting sun. Hotel de Russie hosts a program ofroving exhibitions throughout the year and announces events through their social media channels. Who hasnt visited Rome without food and wine on their mind? Cooking classes in San Diego help you take strides toward becoming your own gourmet chef. It was an experience of a lifetime! Rome, a place to must visit! Meet the Cat Ladies of Rome and See Their Feline Sanctuary, 20 Ultimate Things to Do in New York City, 14 Ultimate Things to Do In Orlando (Besides Disney World), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. "There are too many WOW moments to pick just one, but walking into the Sistine Chapel and walking out into the Coliseum were 2 moments that left me speechless.". Arrivederci! Entering the huge archeological site of theRoman Forumand strolling through the ruins, you can almost imagine the citizens of Ancient Rome walking the cobblestoned streets in togas and bringing sacrifices to the temples. Gondola ride in Venice, Cooking Class and lunch, Wine Tasting at fabulous winery, Vatican and the many new friendships made during the tour.". The balance between group and individual tour time was perfect for us. GE Lighting revealed several new products during CES 2023, along with new integration with Schlage smart locks and an update on when Matter support will arrive. I loved each of our hotels (Guerrato, Silla and Ludovisi). It was like herding cats. Being with a group made it such a more fun and enjoyable experience. I felt like I was traveling with a friend. ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELYYES! Great group and David was an excellent guide. If you haven't gone yet. Choose from a combined ticket for the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill, which grants access to all three sites (16 per person), or opt for the Full Experience ticket (24 per person), which adds on access to the arena floor and underground areas. Great group of travelers too! Hotels in all three cities were in a great location. All logistical aspects were worry free and well managed. Learn the art of making pillowy, cheesy ravioli from scratch. It was so amazing and the people were so welcoming. However, a new restoration project of the site, sponsored by luxury jewelry brand Bulgari, plans to construct raised walkways to increase public accessibility to the ancient ruins. Angelo in Florence and Paulo in Rome were especially outstanding guides. From the Renaissance until the nineteenth century, its gates were locked after sunset. On rooftops, Hotel de la Villes Cielo Terrace is one not to miss either, and Chapter Roma boasts the Campocori restaurant that could be more defined as a dark and lavish dinner club. "There were several, but the two that stood out were (1) the Colosseum and Roman Forum tour where the guide was fantastic and the sights and history unbelievable, and (2) the Vatican tour, especially St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.". Things like the cooking class and the lunch at a vineyard in Umbria. Loved the tour, especially our guide (Helen) and the local guides in each city. Not all pizza is created equally here, so do your research before eating. Our guide, ( Ferdi M. Andiamo Ferdi!!!) Impacted by some Covid restrictions so some of the key areas were not able to be visited (Bourghese for example). To immerse yourself fully in the movie set vibe of Via Margutta, sleep next door at the luxury hotels Margutta 19 or Babuino 181, and dine in the beautiful secret garden of EMME Restaurant. Most days are strenuously paced with 28 miles of walking, including hilly terrain and lots of stairs. Our guides were magnificent. With so much amazing ancient and Baroque art, its easy to forget that Rome has some wonderful modern art museums too. Set in an 18th-century building just yards from Rome's Manzoni Metro, Hotel Milton Roma offers elegant rooms with parquet floors, free high-speed WiFi at 300 Mbit, and a garden lounge bar. Barcel Aran Mantegna is a large design hotel offering a tranquil location in the Tor Marancia district. Sarah was the absolute best. She made the whole experience such a treat and allowed us to understand and see the most out of our trip while making it feel just like a vacation. We saw things we wouldnt have seen on our own. The Tour Guide, Tina, had years of experience, was very knowledgeable and her passion for Italy shone through. We loved meeting our guide Anna, and the idea of seeing Italy with an art professor as our guide sounded magical. Located in Rome and with Spanish Steps reachable within a 8-minute walk, Hotel 55 Fifty-Five - Maison d'Art Collection provides concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi The choices of which venues to tour was great. "never can have just one wow, but certainly popping into Venice st marks square at dusk, even after several visits, is a WOW!". "Difficult to choose from so many, but Michelangelos David is a stunning site. It was sooo fun! Cooking Classes. Here is the BIG question..If we had this whole experience to do over, would we? Venice, Florence and Rome were all awesome. Love the old world styling of this hotel. And if you are looking for a place to stay while youre in town, weve got recommendations for the Best Hotels in Rome. Rome will surely convince you that it is one of Italys gems. The air conditioning worked well and when we had problems the staff were very responsive. As well as the remains of four Republican-era temples, this is the place where Julius Caesar was murdered on the Ides of March 44 B.C. Stephanie went out of her way to help all who was on the tour. It happened to be near to my cousins work so definitely a plus point for accessibility. "Our local guides' talk inside the Collesium gave me goosebumps multiple times. Sentho Roma features a garden, shared lounge, a terrace and bar in Rome. Great tour members and very passionate tour leader. A post shared by Drink Kong (@drinkkongbar). Sofitel partners Vogue to invite fans, trendsetters and epicureans to elevate their style and embrace Art de Vivre - the art of living - with exclusive concepts and experiences. That church was razed to make way for the current one, the worlds largest church at 18,000 square yards, which has been standing on this spot since 1626. Nearby, LElementare serves up thin crust (or as the Romans know it:scrocchiarella) and excellentfritti(fried starters). Webatmatm24365atm It was nice to travel again, and this was my first organized "tour" as I usually travel fully independently. Today we'll focus on Renaissance (Catholic) Rome. Yes, you can save money by traveling without a group like this, but it would never be the same or as enjoyable. I dont know how we would have maneuvered seeing all those museums on our own. She is truly an asset to the Rick Steves organization. Alongside the old Trastevere cobblestones, Christina Bowermans, has a Michelin star and will impress with local and global ingredients. I've traveled quite a bit, but never on a tour. Great guide, tour guides, food, hotels and our travel companions were terrific. On the hunt for gifts with a difference? Watch an exclusive round table interview with the cast and creator of Netflix's Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Knowledgeable, with lots of good stories and background on the places we were visiting. The amount of time we spent in each city was good. Tonight we'll feast together at our farewell dinner, sharing travel memories and toasting new friends. The big "wow" for me was the cumulative amount of art, architecture and culture that mankind has created over thousands of years and how so much of it remains.". ", "Tour of family winery with wine cellars dating back to the Eutruscans". have an ever-changing display of contemporary works and photographs. Entrance to the Pantheon is free, but on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays, it is necessary to reserve an entry slot up to one day in advance via the official website. Located in Rome, within 15 minutes' walk of Termini Station, B&B Hotel Roma San Lorenzo Termini features free WiFi throughout. Group sightseeing events subject to change. According to myth, it will bite off the hand of anyone not telling the truth. Get ready for your dream vacation to Rome. Close proximity to the Termini Train Station, Fiumicino and Ciampino Airports is included. Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Ive never learned so much in a museum as I did in Venice with our local guide! For COVID-19 Travel and RS Tours information, This was our first tour of any kind. The nighttime gondola ride was so peaceful and lovely.". His delivery was monotonous/rambling. Our local guide will join us this morning for a historical walking tour with a modern Venetian's-eye view through the backstreets of Venice, ending in St. Mark's Square and the shimmering, mosaic-filled Basilica (when available). The tour was well-organized. I had great time on our tour of Italy. As the old adage goes: When in Rome, do as the Romans do, and there is no better advice for visitors to the Eternal City. Founded by American expat Annie Ojile, the company offers a variety of tours, including a classic tour, a cinema lovers tour, and a street art tour of under-the-radar neighborhoods Ostiense, Quadraro, and Pigneto, but they can also customize tours based on your interests and time constraints. "Seeing the inside grandeur of St. Peters basilica". In my opinion Rome and France are the two most beautiful cities in the world. Location was Top!! The tour accomplished the advertised goal of seeing the best of Italy. No bus. She checked with all of us to see if we needed anything during the tour. The Tour Guide was outstanding! All the best. "Venice, Florence, and Rome! when he tested positive for covid on the last day, our guide and the main office helped us with everything we needed. Set in a 19th-century building, the Quirinale is 20 minutes' walk from the Coliseum. Soho House members finally have a home in the city with urban views and a pool on its top floor, and the new Rome W Hotel comes complete with funky rooms, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop bar. We cant wait for our next tour! The city newcomer has a Sicilian-inspired eatery, a private garden, and a rooftop bar. Italy's three greatest cities are like fine gelato why settle for just one flavor if you can get three scoops at once? Want to see Rome the way the locals do? After 22 years I finally have seen the real David! Booking.com. Second moment was the pantheon! Francesca was unbelievable! It was a family trip with our two teenagers and it was absolutely amazing !! Stop off for freshly baked biscotti at Biscottificio Innocenti, Le Levain for French patisserie delights, and make lunch a seafood feast at Osteria der Belli. "Walking in and seeing Michelangelo's David! Frascati Wine Road from Rome: Old-school Roman dishes fill pizza-style pockets at. 2008 The guides were fabulous and we got to see so much more. Despite representing these tours as "small groups" I found it really stressful with nearly 30 of us shuffling along behind a guide through crowded, hectic, congested streets. Travelers favorites include #1 Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi), #2 St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) and more. She shared her love of Italy with us. Strenuous walking: 28 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Second was in Tavola cooking academy in Florence mainly because we were the group of six in the kitchen w/the Chef and could tell the difference in dishes prepared under his supervision vs other chef who had bulk of group.". where to start? I felt that I was able to appreciate every city that we visited even though we only spent a couple of days in each one. ", My tours guide Stephanie attention to detail was excellent, "Gondola ride and seeing and hearing explanations of all the art". I brought good shoes and prepared. Their recommendations was perfect. I guess seeing the ruins of ancient Rome and the Colosseum, simply because of the history of the place. ", All the places and tour guides were amazing, "Discovering the contemporary art contrasted with the works in the Venice museums". Typical appetizers include fried artichokes, fried salt cod filets, and plenty of cheese and salumi. Our tour guide, Tina, was very friendly and helpful. Our tour guide was awesome and the group size was perfect. I really enjoyed the tour. Traditionally dubbedCucina Povera, Roman specialties tend to be simple, with a few ingredients prepared using tried-and-true methods. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. She really went above and beyond the call of duty to help us and make sure we had a great time on the trip. Related: Dont Do This in RomeHow to Avoid Culinary Tourist Traps. Standing at the Vatican City wall waiting to enter I had to pinch myself to believe I was actually standing in the place I had seen on television and in the movies. "Our local guide in Rome, Francesca, was an incredible scholar and guide. Loved the tour guides attention to details. Great contact with Antonnio. "Cooking a four course meal with a Chef in Florence.". Walking through the Sistine Chapel and the entries into the Coliseum that the gladiators once walked gave me goose bumps and still does. She somehow managed to keep us together and on track for whatever we were to experience. All of us benefited from this treat because the other gondoliers kept us as close as possible so we could be a part of the celebration. THIS is why we travel!". Try their signature Stravinskij Spritz. What a fabulous tour! Every choice of hotel and restaurant was great, with a special nod to the agri-tourismo farm and its charming owner (plus his pup Leo!) In this hands-on class, Chef Jordan will lead you on a journey through some of the most simple, yet awe-inspiring Italian classics including fresh, homemade pasta. Opportunity to celebrate Easter in Italy! Eating out was a bit of a challenge because we are both vegan, and Rome is not a very good place for vegans, to be honest, but finally we found an amazing vegan restaurant in the centre that was the best ever! Boat: hour. Walkable to all major sites while visiting Rome. Find day trips to take They take you deep into neighborhoods across the city, treating you to local markets, delicacies, and food stores you might not have otherwise discovered. The beds & the pillows are plush & comfortable (unlike most in Italy, even at high end hotels). Having watched midnight masses for so many years and then to be there to see the balcony spot where the Pope speaks to the people was amazing. It was a wonderful experience going on a group tour. I even walked more on my own than when guided. Drinks are served with olives, almonds, potato chips, and hot and cold canaps. CozymealTM, Inc. 2013-2023 - Phone: 800-369-0157, We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, analyze site traffic and personalize content. They were also so polite. The orientation walks and guided walks were outstanding as was Jamie. Patrick Pistolesis, is one of the Worlds 50 Best Bars and where youll find expertly crafted cocktails with an international menu covering everything from bao to lobster rolls. Let us take you to your dream destinations, in style. WebRead latest breaking news, updates, and headlines. Choose your dates to see up-to-date prices and availability. The Galleria Alberto Sordi, which dates to 1922 and features stained-glass skylights and mosaic floors, is one of Europes most gorgeous places to shop with stores like Coccinelle and Italian mega bookstore La Feltrinelli. Get the advice you need. I was wrong. Jamie was an excellent guide overall - on tour and off. Definitely should have been three, but actually, we should have known better anyway. This off the usual tourist trail was the perfect was to experience Italy.". I would highly recommend it. Breakfast is great. Find stories, updates and expert opinion. Tour was well organized and took so much pressure off us as first time visitors to Italy. Rhianne did a great job of explaining things like the Rome subway and bus, things that arent obvious until youve done it once. Venice was the best but overall good. Particularly the Roman Empire. It was a bucket list item!". The First Arte Hotel and Hall Tailor Suite always have an eclectic and fascinating installation of sculptures and paintings, and Corso 281 Luxury Suites have an ever-changing display of contemporary works and photographs. Many of the citys delis have transformed into casual eateries where you can sample the best local and international cheese and salumi bar style or as a sit-down hot meal. Very knowledgeable and resourceful. There was a good mix of group activities and solo time. Fellow tourists in the group are very pleasant. A city with over 2,000 years of history is bound to have some secrets that dont appear in any guidebooks. Our host Lisa did an amazing job and truly loves what she does. Related: The Best Free Things to Do in Rome. Exceptional tour guides, just the right amount of scheduled vs. free time, wonderful hotel rooms/locations a wonderful experience! A collection of Sofitel experiences awaits you, Enjoy these complimentary benefits with every booking. The gondola ride, and walking into the colosseum.". Your current language is English (US). She was so funny and helpful. Whichever you choose, there is no doubt that a visit to one of Romes markets is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture while stocking up on delicious ingredients. Stephanie was amazing and truly a pleasure . Totally speechless.". We were met by Jason who was extremely helpful and checked us in very promptly. The tour was well organized and our guides were fantastic. Everything kept getting better.". Breakfast for gourmets! First, cappuccinos are only drunk at breakfast. It made for a great first time in Italy. "Pantheon at night. The location is a bit far from the city center but you have a shuttle to the center 10 euro per person, Popular with guests booking hotels in Rome. Another wow moment was seeing the colosseum in person. The Leonardo Express train from the Leonardo Da Vinci airport is more expensive but worth the extra cost due to the spacious seating and the speed of travel to the Central Station in under 40 minutes. We enjoyed every single thing . I thought our tour guide was especially wonderful, full of knowledge and extremely helpful and personable. We had enough group time and time on our own to explore. One of the best hotels in Roma. We walked everywhere but there are plenty of taxis. You can even spend a night in the papal palace built for Pope Innocent X by the powerful Pamphili family, which has been converted into an ultra-luxurious apartment called the Holy Deer San Lorenzo City Lodge, and sleep in the popes bedroom overlooking Piazza Navona. We also really liked the other tour group members. It is a city steeped in culture and tradition, with a wealth of incredible architecture, art and cuisine. Seeing him up close was an incredible experience. "I thought I was prepared to see Ancient Rome, but there was so much MORE and so spread out, I had no idea how vast the archeological diggings really were - so much more than just the coliseum". It's very grand and looks well cared for. She kept things running so smoothly, answered most of our questions before we even thought to ask them, prepared us for experiences/crowds/etc. (Related: Read Our Vatican Travel Guide.) Overall great experience. I especially enjoyed the information on the artwork. Thanks! Super service and very good food! It was intense and wonderful and everything I could have expected it to be. Chef Krong teaches you some of the basic fundamentals to Thai food in this hands-on cooking class. Featuring a free outdoor summer pool and fitness center, and a restaurant with 8 show cooking stations, A.Roma Lifestyle Hotel offers free WiFi throughout and elegant air-conditioned rooms in Romes A post shared by Glass_Hostaria (@glasshostaria). I usually use Rick Steves books to plan my own travels, but I wondered what it would be like to not have to handle my own logistics and reservations, etc. We had interesting group experiences every day, with plenty of time to wander by ourselves. However, let's be truthful, Italy is full of WOW! Ercoli is one of the most well-known names in town and keeps expanding with venues in the Parioli, Prati, and Trastevere neighborhoods. Bea had managed to get us a reservation for the Pantheon. The room was perfect for a few small trip to Rome. moves its entire program outdoors in the warmer months to the Terme di Caracalla. Inside youll find Berninis masterful altarpiecethe great bronzeBaldacchinoand MichelangelosPiet. This was the perfect trip for us3 days at each city with a lot of time to enjoy the citythe cities are so different it made the 10 days fly byeach city had its own unique character & beautiful sites. Bea is so personable, caring, and just plain delightful. The sun was low and light just perfect, I will never forget that moment. Everything was so well managed that I could fully enjoy my trip with concern about what was next on the agenda. David, the masterpiece of the Renaissance, captivated and overwhelmed me, its symbol of strength and beauty one cant forget. This trip gave me the opportunity to see most of the sights on my bucket list and also provided plenty of other experiences that were unexpectedly fun (gondola ride, trip to the olive grove and wine tasting, Italian cooking class). "I dont know how to narrow down to one. . To live the French way. The group dinners were also one of my favorites.". This tour had it all, art, history, architecture, amazing food, extraordinary tour guide and bonus surprises along the way. Michaelangelo's David. Went to the Bargello and saw a small/practice version of Perseus with medusas head. I must say that this tour coming on the heels of the Villages of Italy tour proved to be physically exhausting. Nvidia launched the RTX 4070 Ti at CES 2023, and it looks a lot like a graphics card Nvidia removed from release just a few months ago. "We probably had multiple "Wow" moments on this trip. The choices that the Rick Steves tour made of sites to see gave us an experience of many best known places. (Related: Read Our Piazza di Spagna Travel Guide.) The tour hit all the high spots in the three cities! Rome is also home to the Pantheon, built in 125 AD, the stunning St. Peters Basilica as well as another classic, the Roman Forum. Trying to solve today's Wordle? When we discovered that Rick has a no grumpy policy, we knew we had found our provider! Got to visit so many wonderful museums and sites! "The intimacy of Venice, the richness of the culture in Florence, and the overwhelming history of Rome contributed to not a wow moment but a wow trip.". WebHere are the Books We Love: 400+ great 2022 reads recommended by NPR. "Amazing history of churches, art, sculptures in each city. Crammed a lot of great stuff in 10 days. Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. This is one of our most active tours! "Walking the streets of Venice (especially at night). Great camaraderie within the group made everything so enjoyable. She interlaced her passion for being a guide with history, tidbits from her life, helpful hints from how to use public transportation, other places to visit, & places to eat; She had beautiful conversations w/local merchants, &special & unique experiences added each day. Rome was also one of our favorites: The Vatican Museum ending with the Sistine Chapel". My sister and I did this tour together because neither of us wanted to have to plan anything. I feel enriched and intellectually satisfied by gaining a peek into the history/context around Venice and Florence beyond just visiting the famous tourist hotspots. Location fascinating, attractions, everything is on point. "Getting to experience 3 very different cities and seeing the uniqueness and beauty of each of them.". "Seeing new things - in this case, the islands of Burano and Torcello.". "It is so hard to narrow it down to one "wow" moment! "I loved everything about Venice. Very accommodating staff and in a central location. 65 flights I. That is a rare thing todays world. Absolutely wonderful. Join us for the Best of Venice, Florence & Rome in 10 Days! St. Peter's Basilica, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum were incredibly impressive.". The great thing is that at least in their public spaces, the exhibits are open for you to enjoy. Stress and cost associated w/Covid test requirement unnecessary and mean spirited given YOU dropped it effective May 1. "I had two. The planned tours with guides were wonderful. ", The tour itself was fantastic, unfortunately the heat zapped our energy and we were not as active as we would have liked to be, "When CiCi our guide revealed the "secret owner " of the winery we visited". I thought the local guides from each city were engaging, well informed, and I felt they helped narrow down the most important things to see. 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I think besides that all of the meals we had together, the food, the tours were magnificent. Marco and Sabrina and the rest of the staff were very hospitable. We got to tour the grounds, the wine cellar was beyond words! Our guide, Anja, was so welcoming and did an amazing job bringing our group together and making us all feel very comfortable with one another. In case you wish to book pre- or post-tour hotel accommodations, the contact information for the tour's first and last hotels is included in your tour confirmation email as well as inthe Itinerary section of your tour account. The tour was fabulous! 66. "I had two wow moments! Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. Wonderful staff, super clean and quiet rooms, and very helpful with arranging transportation during our stay. Buy tickets to the Borghese Museum in Rome- a must see. From the water taxi's, going out to visit some islands, the gondola ride, the architecture and intentially getting lost walking around.". But the greatest wow was walking around the corner and seeing the Coliseum in Rome not to mention the grandiose fountains. Worth pre-booking a guided tour of major sites so that you get on site quickly and understand what you are seeing better to appreciate it more. Be on your feet, walking and standing, for up to three hours, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions. This historical hotel is connected to Rome Opera House through a passageway in its leafy courtyard. Enjoyed our group meals and our guide was so informative and a great resource of information. Poor travel advice from Rick Steves re: packing and day packs (not allowed in majority of sites). 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | We ate in small local restaurants that were away from the hard core tourist areas but handy to get to. Walk inside and look upthe oculus in the dome is open to the sky, letting sunlight filter in. I appreciated the balance between scheduled group activities and the opportunities to explore on our own. I will never forget the first moment in the Colosseum as our expert guide brought us back in time, effectively multiplying the magnitude of Rome.". But they were wows all over again. Our tour director, Bea, was an absolute delight. We check for naughty words and verify the authenticity of all guest reviews before adding them to our site. Overall, we had a wonderful experience. Make sure to grab a drink at Necci dal 1924, the preferred hangout of famed Italian film director Pier Paolo Pasolini. This is exactly what we wanted and expected from a Rick Steves tour. Luxurious room and amazing location! When I saw that stop on the itinerary I rolled my eyes and thought it would be a poor use of our limited time. Every scene is a picture waiting to be painted. They were also so polite. If we had a day away from the city and just relax in a countryside, that will have been great. When prices do not include all taxes, the relevant taxes (VAT and/or city tax) will be stated in the following stages of the reservation process. "Getting "lost" in the streets of Venice. The Stravinskij Bar at the Hotel de Russie might have the citys most extensive cocktail list. Wow Romans!". What truly impressed us MOST was the CONSISTENCY of the entire tour. I didn't give the tour an outstanding rating because I sometimes experienced the tour as being so full of activities that I didn't have any time to savour the special or meaningful moments of the tour until long after an event. Marco was such a great host. Made in Zurich & Berlin. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Check the latest COVID-19 restrictions before you travel. It was breathtaking. "So many! Nvidia doesn't want you to remember that the RTX 4070 Ti isn't really a newly announced GPU. Very convenient to have the organization done! I know the Rick Steves group did what they could to make sure our group was supported, but three guides made it feel a little disjointed. These hotels in Rome are highly rated by couples: Sentho Roma, Hotel Viln - Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and Umilt 36. "Simply navigating the cities and interacting with the people of Italy. OnPiazza del Popolo, the church ofSanta Maria del Popoloholds two of Caravaggios masterpieces: theCrucifixion of Saint Peterand theConversion of Saint Paul. For designer boutiques, walk along Via Condotti and the surrounding streets. By Eat and Walk Italy. And of course the Colosseum In Rome - absolutely spectacular!". Francesca in Rome was especially memorable in making the Coliseum and the ruins near the Forum come alive. No hiccups with our tour guide. Tour was a good mix of getting our bearings, learning about art, culture and history, and simply fun (often delicious) experiences. We just knew that we were in such good hands as we discovered the wonders of Italy! The tour was well organized and was a great way to sample Italy's great cities. Group dynamics for our tour were great. From up here, you can see all the most important monuments: the Spanish Steps, Palazzo Venezia, and beyond. We had a wonderful stay Archi da Roma. Wonderful weather was extremely hot but tour leader made lots of adjustments to make it work with the heat . With 3,000 years of history at your fingertips, there are enough things to do, see, and taste to last a lifetime. Book one of many San Diego cooking classes today! "When I saw the original Michelangelo's Statue of David.". Boat: 1 hour. End with a nightcap at Santo with their never-ending list of gin. Destination, hotel name (required fields). Breakfast was a cappuccino and crossiant from cafe downstairs, cappuccino was one of the best we had in Italy! PLAN YOUR TRIP:VisitFodors Rome Travel Guide. It was more than a moment, it was a feeling of awe!". Our tour guide, (Margaret Cassidy), and the tour company policies WERE more generous to us, (the clients), than was to be expected. He encouraged us to ask questions and help get reservations or tickets, for our free time. Begin by making an Asian classic for your starter: Gyoza filled with Take a culinary tour through Thailand and learn to create rich, authentic Thai dishes. It was definitely an evening to remember! Drip coffee and Starbucks dont exist here. Our first return trip to Italy will include spending more time there.". Its not uncommon for Romans to drink three or more espressos a day, and there are some unspoken rules if you dont want to look like a tourist when ordering. We got to know them a little and greatly engaged the company. Our guid was interactive and fantastic. "Seeing the "David statue" in person after reading and seeing photos of the statue..". This was my trip of a lifetime (my first Rick Steves Tour) and it exceeded my expectations by far! The local guides were top-notch, they were so knowledgeable & interesting and just the right touch of humor. Hotel Damaso, Hotel Artemide, and HT6 Hotel Roma are some of the popular hotels in Rome. It was all "wow" to us! Really enjoyed the art museums and the mixing in of the other tour events (mentioned above) made it extraordinary.". Great food . nice place, near to bus station, 20 min from Rome Center. We will participate in more Rick Steve's trips in the future. Everyone whos anyone has stayed at Hotel Hassler, a grand dame perched atop the Spanish Steps, a favorite of royalty and celebrities. We enjoyed every single thing . While our hotel in Venice was good, my wife and I thought it was too far removed from most of the attractions visited. No bus. WiFi is free throughout the property. A free minibar and free Wi-Fi access are available in each of the elegant rooms. ", "We were able to see the Pantheon with almost no one else around. I will definitely travel with Rick Steves again! This morning we'll devote our time to the breathtaking Renaissance art of the Uffizi home to the finest collection of Italian paintings anywhere including works by Leonardo, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and more. This morning we'll have our first real brush with the Renaissance Venetian style with a tour of the Accademia's treasure trove of great Venetian art, starring Titian, Veronese, Bellini, Tintorettoand every shade of color imaginable. I enjoyed being part of a group of strangers more than I thought I would. Visiting between November and March offers the benefit of missing out on the sweat, stress, and crowds of the tourist season, along with cool and crisp weather. Got a layover, late arrival, or early departure? I loved the bronze horses at st. Marks not part of the tour but the directions led me to get tickets". The free time and structured events enhanced my experience allowing me to explore in depth or just allow the flavor of the country to wash over me. WebThe Rick Steves Best of Venice, Florence & Rome tour begins with Venice's timeless St. Mark's Square and Basilica, continues on to Michelangelo's stunning David and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and ends with Rome's ancient Forum, Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel.You'll also enjoy guided neighborhood walks, memorable We have been to Rome before. it was more like a 1 bedroom apartment. Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. It offered a great balance of guided and free time - never feeling rushed out of a museum or venue. My first look at the grand canal, the massive columns at St Peters square, the brilliant cathedral in Florence. Our local tour guides were very good-particularly Francesca in Rome. I was impressed with the Roman engineering as well as the architecture. Breakfast was delicious and served in the oldest part of the hotel complete with remains of original frescoes. Place a hallmark of Sofitel luxury in your own home.Our online boutique has something for all discerning tastes. Terms of Service | Privacy, Best of Venice, Florence & Rome in 10 Days Tour 2023, Florence's Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo's, Evening walk through Rome including Trevi Fountain. Do plan your trip as it will not disappoint. Plus she was extremely knowledgeable about the cities we were in and Italy in general. The hotel rooms were small but doable since we packed light as was suggested. Everyone was warm and welcoming and always made me feel included and welcome. "A few airline issues aside, I would say the entire trip was a WOW.". "I loved the night time gondola ride in Venice. Amazing local guides. Soho House (for members only) has a killer 15-meter pool on its rooftop where you can dine all day in stylish open-air booths. Being in this amazing place with our group and just a handful of others was so amazing!". Nord Nuova Roma is a classic 1930s-style hotel offering soundproofed rooms with satellite TV and free WiFi. Starting atPiazza del Popolo, three main roads form a trident leading towardPiazza Veneziaand the Colosseum. Guide, Tina, excellent with more than 20 years of experience. very big a beautiful room, the employees treat you kindly, excellent stay. We were able to see all of the important sites and museums AND beat the crowds. She was well organized, kept the group on schedule, answered our multitude of questions and was delightful to be around. Start with a sumptuous venue, add a careful selection of canaps and Champagnes, and invite your esteemed guests. Choisissez votre sige sur tous les vols La Rinascente (Italys main department store) is nearby on Via del Tritone. At some point wed like to create a system that could calculate a precise value based on award availability, fees, award levels and ease of accrual, but for now these valuations are based on a combination of how much TPG would pay to buy points if given the opportunity, and the overall value I ", "Realizing that I actually enjoyed being on a tour!! My room had a private terrace that was divine. The tour guide is specially knowledgeable and entertaining. Rome was built on seven hills, and whileGianicolo(or Janiculum) isnt technically one of them, it is the highest vantage point from which to see the city. Great location.clean room.rooftop breakfast great, We would like to thank Carlos and Ian for their kindness :). In this hands-on cooking class, Chef Laura will teach you traditional lessons from the art of French pastry. Two of the most famous cafsTazza dOroandCaff SantEustachiohold a fierce rivalry and are just blocks from each other. Perfect for a late arrival or early departure. WhileThe Hoxton, with its Cali-vibes. I have never been on a guided tour before, and this shattered my expectations in a profoundly positive fashion. Sleep in Florence. Rooms are clean and comfortable. I love walking around freely, so to book in a hotel in such amazing location was the best. Our leader, Tina, and our group were all caring team members, helping and sharing with eachother. 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