Italy For Lovers

Happy Pumping

Don't miss the Cinque Terre. And hope for an end to the current gondolier strike in Venice.

Fishski --

Venice was nowhere near as bad ad I'd been led to believe -- actually it was pretty wonderful (we were there in May).

The church of Santa Maria della Salute is a must while you're there. It houses Brunelleschi's passion, one of the greatest works of art of all time.

Vicenza (see the main square) and Verona are not far, and are both wonderful little cities -- in fact almost all of the Veneto is great. The Teatro Anatomico in the university at Padua was also a highspot for me.

Hi Fishki

Venice is simply magic. My wife and I have been to Italy many times and for me Venice is probably number one - though it's a difficult choice. Do go on a gondola ride as you say you will, you must not miss it. But also try the little gondola ferries that not many people seem to find. They could be described as Venice's best kept secret. You can cross the Canal Grande at about half a dozen places in a gondola for very little money. It is the local's way of travelling. Look out for the yellow signs saying traghetto. There is a very useful one taking you to Santa Maria della Salute. OK it's only a short ride but it's fun. We used them a lot.

In Florence if you want to try great authentic Italian food in a friendly family run Trattoria try Trattoria Nella in Via delle Terme. Very easy to find. With the Ponte Vecchio behind you go straight ahead up Viale Santa Maria and Via Delle Terme is second left.

Cheers

Max

Another vote for the Cinque Terre. Portions of the trails are regularly obliterated by slides, falling trees, washouts, etc., so try to get advance information on which parts are safe to hike.

Italy for lovers?
Italy is a dangerous place.
...every fallen in love with someone you shouldn't have fallen in love with....

What do you mean by dangerous? The drivers pose a challenge I know, but in what other way is it dangerous? I feel safer in Venice than in any other European city I can think of.
On the other hand, I went to a corporate convention in Barcelona last month and several of my personal acquaintances were robbed.

Romantically dangerous Chris.

quote:

Originally posted by Rasher:
Italy for lovers?
Italy is a dangerous place.
...every fallen in love with someone you shouldn't have fallen in love with....

For the dangerous[non-romantic]side of Venice read some of the detective novels by Donna Leon. They give a totally different insight into what must be the most fascinating city in the world.

Venice and Florence are both enchanting. If you like wandering, I highly recommend that you take a good street map for Venice as it gets spooky after dark when you keep arriving at the edge of a canal with no bridge to the other side, getting more and more confused (ever seen Donald Sutherland in the film Don't Look Now!). The usual maps in the city guides are not really up to the job.

Nick

quote:

Originally posted by Rasher:
Italy for lovers?
Italy is a dangerous place.
...every fallen in love with someone you shouldn't have fallen in love with....

Yeah, but he's gonna get over it, aincha Micky ?

quote:

Originally posted by fishski13:
For my wife's 30th birthday, we will be traveling to Italy for 2 weeks in April. We are flying into Rome and plan on making our way north to Venice through Siena/Florence. I'm looking for "must see/do/eat/stay" suggestions from those who have been to Italy. We prefer to get off the beaten path, avoiding the artificial tourist trappings, but some things (the Sistine Chapel, gondola ride etc.) cannot be missed. We will also be celebrating an anniversary of sorts. we went on our first date together back in high school 12 years ago this April - a Verdi opera and our first of many wonderful evenings at our favorite Italian restaurant - so an extra special night is in order.

Thanks
corey

P.S. I think I'm going to pump the wife for a new Basis Vector tonearm and recap for the Hi-Cap for my 30th this July.

And the best thing is when you're in Mc Donald's you can actually order a real glass of red wine with your meal !

Fritz Von Nowthat'sclassain'tit !

you could make a trip to the lakes, Como has lots of old villas and gardens which may be in bloom in late April, with hidden away places where you might be able to pump your wife.

we go to Verona every january. its beautiful and is the setting of the story of Romeo & Juliet. the colluseum is the 3rd largest in italy and is stunning.its the opera capital. the central piazza is a hive of cafe bars and designer shops. theres loads to do and see and its only an hour on the train from venice. the hotel mastino is cetral and really quaint. and wont blow the budget.

I'll second Verona, a truly magical and romantic place. The surrounding lakes and villages are fantastic and the driving not at all like Rome, we stayed in Sirmione but check the guides and see what appeals.

I would say that though, the Verona Opera was the 'first date' with my now wife

Good Luck

Andy