Truly the land of Pizzas ,Piazzaz,Pisa ,Gelatos, Pastas,Wine and warm (HI-FASHION) people!!!!
My 1st trip to Italy ITS BEEN ALMOST A MONTH that am back but let me tell you I still can't get the thought of piping hot pastas out of my mind. The country which captivates your senses with its historic significance and the preserves n relics ---all leave you exhausted from the awe you feel at every step. You just keep wanting more.
I officially stepped in the following places- Rome, Florence, Pisa, Maranello, Quarto d'Altino, Treviso, Venice, Vatican & Tivvoli.
The best deal is seeing 2 countries in one trip--yes "Vatican" is officially a different country where the Pope's world is enclosed in "oh so high" walls. Its the smallest country in the world.
We stayed in B&Bs in Rome & Florence and they were absolutely gorgeous places impeccably clean. I would suggest Bed & Breakfast stays since you are going to be in your room at nights. Find places to stay in the city centre always!! Easy mobility.
The 1st thing I noticed when I landed in Italy was that all girls were wearing high boots & was really thrilled as I had packed a pair too. Besides looking stunning the boots serve the purpose of beating the chill brrrrrrr.
As soon as we landed we collected our hot wheels from Europcar which is conveniently located on the termini, is walkable distance from the main airport. Drove to Florence and stayed there for the night. Best shopping area is around the station.
Not to miss the GALILEO museum here - Feel like you a part of history when you are strolling through the museum which houses the crazy complicated instruments the scientists used to explore space and science with .Huge globes dated A.D. Gosh its super dumb to give this a miss.
Next day took an open top bus tour & evening went to Pisa clicked loadsa pictures all the way,had amazing & really low priced lipsmacking food sitting just 200mts away in a restaurant overlooking the Leaning Tower.Blisss.
The bus which took us to the tower from the station got stuck in one of the narrow lanes at the last turn hahaha. We had to get down a lil ahead of the actual stop.Back to Florence by late night.
Next day we started for Maranello-Red town of the vrrroommm Ferrai.Took a tour of the factory & the Ferrari museum.
HIGHLIGHT of THE TRIP- We drove a ferrari.Ok I didnt!! It was a paid test drive- I got to sit & my hubby drove. The red beast gives you an adrenaline rush like never before.The town was quaint enough with quiet roads and lovely houses with attractive display of colourful flowers on the windows and gardens.
Same evening reached Quarto d'altino-checked in at this gorgeous resort called Villa d'Odino with even better breakfast.Can't forget the soft, orange jelly centred muffins.Read a lot of reviews before booking this place about THE BREAKFAST--t'was better than promised.We reached around 7pm so decided to explore a town nearby(this is possible if u have ur own car) and as advised by the front office helpdesk-Italians "very courteous & ready to help people "went to Treviso.Just 20min drive. I was absolutely in love with the town, it had cobbled streets, no people on the road but mind you the pubs were OH SO FULL and many handsome old men with their classy perked up wives, were out for dinner. We soaked ourselves in wine and pastas.Every evening I spent in Italy---the aroma of food just held me by the arm and pulled me towards it--mesmerising the taste buds & tantalising the senses-in short driving me nuts-sexy food.
Visited Venice the next day- was a wet day for that part of Italy but we enjoyed it nevertheless.I forgot to take my overcoat so bought a shawl and a pair of gloves from Venice to keep me from freezing in the rains.
We visited the main sites and then hopped on & off the ferry wherever we felt like and walked inside some of the tiny streets where you almost brush people if there are 2 passing in opposite directions.Crossed the bridges-come on had to do that ..there are so many.It was too crowded-I didnt find it that romantic n mayb thats the reason to it.Truth-I was too frozen to get romantic plus ta greed of having gelatos overcame n after that I just wanted to get back to my hotel. By evening back to base Quarto d'altino & had splendid dinner there.
We started for Rome next morning after a super awesome breakfast...were plannin on visiting Bologna but we had a lazy morning packing and stuff so had to skip as we had to return the car by late afternoon.
We got stuck in a traffic jam on the highway, still don't know the reason FOR THE jam, but we weren't charged for coming in 2 hrs later than the said time to return the car HAPPY MEE
So we head to Rome-WATA GORGEOUS PLACE!!
The people have preserved the city ruins so well & the way thy have made it accessible to the world is a great achievement-no doubt its one of the most visited places on earth!!!The history is ghastly when you listen to it-I mean I hate history but since it was Rome I was hooked on to the audio guides-it described Julius Ceasar as "not the 1st ruler" but "1st tyrant or dictator" of Rome. They referred to him with unkind words. The history of the Colloseum left the insides of my stomach churning and uncomfortable with the number of "fights unto death" between humans & animals also humans & humans. There were many "Gladiators" and "Julius Ceasars" spread all over the vicinity waiting to pose with tourists.Their get-up was to impress and they got tipped generously.
2days of Rome and 3rd half of the day we visited the VAtican-What a secluded place enclosed in really high walls. They run their own country without any interference from Rome.The St.Peters Basilica is the most humoungous at the same time delicately & minutely detailed structure I have ever seen. So much art & architecture.Spell bounding works of Michealangelo sculptures, Rafael frescos, Trojan horse, Greek statues , Egyptian sphinx, Caravaggio painting--phew its a classic piece of unparalled beauty born from the hardwork & sweat of the artists. Hats off to them for creating these works of love-love & passion for the skills they were blessed with.
You can walk a lot & see most of the places in Roma or they are just 10min away by the effecient metro or bus.
We were guided by Emmanuelle owner of sweetdreams b&b in Rome.He gave us a map and told us exactly how we should spend our 4days in Rome effectively.
The most amazing favour he could do ever ---was writing addresses of restaurants which are frequented by the Italians & BOY were they good OR what!! In Italy it was like having an orgasm with food ---all 8 dinners-can't explain it in better words.
slurrppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp-lipsmacking food & Vino.
Most of the nights we were high on house wine heehee. There's hardly a place in Italy where you can find bad food - you could try defend that.
The last day we chose to travel to Tivolli-city of fountains instead of Capri islands. Thanks to this Swedish lady we got talking to at the b&b reception.She said its a must visit destination and is a treat to the eyes.Emmanuel was quick to bring up the pictures of this place on his desktop & as soon as we laid our eyes on them we decided to put that on out itinerary. Well Capri isalnds & Sicilia would be on our agenda but later -on our leisure trip- maybe few years down the line.
Tivolli had the most amazing landscaped garden, spread in the courtyard of a castle,standing tall on a hill. So basically I went to a town nestled on a hill-finally(I say that b'cos on the drive back to Rome we saw small towns nestled far far away -cast away in the cozy arms of giant mountains & thats when I secretly wished to walk around in one of those mysteriously tucked away villages)So here we were at Tivolli station, very few people on the station except the noisy bunch of students who got off-probably architects or painters in the making-desserted station.
We walked towards the city -actually just followed the people who got off with us heehee. Reached signboards and found directions for "Villa d'este" the most sort after fountain garden there. Had to walk quite a few steps and had to struggle a walk uphill .THE PLACE-It was "Oh my GAwd" .Beautiful is an understatement. Thank u aunty from Sweden. You are the best.What crazy fountains and what a design -ok check this I dont have words to explain the experience----http://www.villadestetivoli.info/storiae.htm
We visited the Pantheon square twice-one evening just sat there to watch people and hear the guitarist strum his electronic beauty sitting in the middle of the square.He was so talented.The music carried me away to another magical place .I also found time to visit Vatican by night-it was a beautiful sight.
So am back from Italia but still lost somewhere in the small towns,museums,notes of music out of nowhere and I'm most indefinitely in a food coma..those tiramisus have settled on my tummy n hip successfully ;)
Did SHOP a bit though that wasn't on the agenda but hey visiting the country which hosts the unveiling of the latest seasons trends & not shopping -doesn't make sense to the Shopaholic me ;)
Italia has successfuly taken the place Paree held in my heart & am not at all being biased here.
Italian food, history, warm people & hi-fashion -all overtake the French in every sense.
My 1st trip to Italy ITS BEEN ALMOST A MONTH that am back but let me tell you I still can't get the thought of piping hot pastas out of my mind. The country which captivates your senses with its historic significance and the preserves n relics ---all leave you exhausted from the awe you feel at every step. You just keep wanting more.
I officially stepped in the following places- Rome, Florence, Pisa, Maranello, Quarto d'Altino, Treviso, Venice, Vatican & Tivvoli.
The best deal is seeing 2 countries in one trip--yes "Vatican" is officially a different country where the Pope's world is enclosed in "oh so high" walls. Its the smallest country in the world.
We stayed in B&Bs in Rome & Florence and they were absolutely gorgeous places impeccably clean. I would suggest Bed & Breakfast stays since you are going to be in your room at nights. Find places to stay in the city centre always!! Easy mobility.
The 1st thing I noticed when I landed in Italy was that all girls were wearing high boots & was really thrilled as I had packed a pair too. Besides looking stunning the boots serve the purpose of beating the chill brrrrrrr.
Not to miss the GALILEO museum here - Feel like you a part of history when you are strolling through the museum which houses the crazy complicated instruments the scientists used to explore space and science with .Huge globes dated A.D. Gosh its super dumb to give this a miss.
Next day took an open top bus tour & evening went to Pisa clicked loadsa pictures all the way,had amazing & really low priced lipsmacking food sitting just 200mts away in a restaurant overlooking the Leaning Tower.Blisss.
Next day we started for Maranello-Red town of the vrrroommm Ferrai.Took a tour of the factory & the Ferrari museum.
HIGHLIGHT of THE TRIP- We drove a ferrari.Ok I didnt!! It was a paid test drive- I got to sit & my hubby drove. The red beast gives you an adrenaline rush like never before.The town was quaint enough with quiet roads and lovely houses with attractive display of colourful flowers on the windows and gardens.
We visited the main sites and then hopped on & off the ferry wherever we felt like and walked inside some of the tiny streets where you almost brush people if there are 2 passing in opposite directions.Crossed the bridges-come on had to do that ..there are so many.It was too crowded-I didnt find it that romantic n mayb thats the reason to it.Truth-I was too frozen to get romantic plus ta greed of having gelatos overcame n after that I just wanted to get back to my hotel. By evening back to base Quarto d'altino & had splendid dinner there.
We started for Rome next morning after a super awesome breakfast...were plannin on visiting Bologna but we had a lazy morning packing and stuff so had to skip as we had to return the car by late afternoon.
We got stuck in a traffic jam on the highway, still don't know the reason FOR THE jam, but we weren't charged for coming in 2 hrs later than the said time to return the car HAPPY MEE
So we head to Rome-WATA GORGEOUS PLACE!!
The people have preserved the city ruins so well & the way thy have made it accessible to the world is a great achievement-no doubt its one of the most visited places on earth!!!The history is ghastly when you listen to it-I mean I hate history but since it was Rome I was hooked on to the audio guides-it described Julius Ceasar as "not the 1st ruler" but "1st tyrant or dictator" of Rome. They referred to him with unkind words. The history of the Colloseum left the insides of my stomach churning and uncomfortable with the number of "fights unto death" between humans & animals also humans & humans. There were many "Gladiators" and "Julius Ceasars" spread all over the vicinity waiting to pose with tourists.Their get-up was to impress and they got tipped generously.
2days of Rome and 3rd half of the day we visited the VAtican-What a secluded place enclosed in really high walls. They run their own country without any interference from Rome.The St.Peters Basilica is the most humoungous at the same time delicately & minutely detailed structure I have ever seen. So much art & architecture.Spell bounding works of Michealangelo sculptures, Rafael frescos, Trojan horse, Greek statues , Egyptian sphinx, Caravaggio painting--phew its a classic piece of unparalled beauty born from the hardwork & sweat of the artists. Hats off to them for creating these works of love-love & passion for the skills they were blessed with.
You can walk a lot & see most of the places in Roma or they are just 10min away by the effecient metro or bus.
We were guided by Emmanuelle owner of sweetdreams b&b in Rome.He gave us a map and told us exactly how we should spend our 4days in Rome effectively.
The most amazing favour he could do ever ---was writing addresses of restaurants which are frequented by the Italians & BOY were they good OR what!! In Italy it was like having an orgasm with food ---all 8 dinners-can't explain it in better words.
slurrppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp-lipsmacking food & Vino.
Most of the nights we were high on house wine heehee. There's hardly a place in Italy where you can find bad food - you could try defend that.
Tivolli had the most amazing landscaped garden, spread in the courtyard of a castle,standing tall on a hill. So basically I went to a town nestled on a hill-finally(I say that b'cos on the drive back to Rome we saw small towns nestled far far away -cast away in the cozy arms of giant mountains & thats when I secretly wished to walk around in one of those mysteriously tucked away villages)So here we were at Tivolli station, very few people on the station except the noisy bunch of students who got off-probably architects or painters in the making-desserted station.
We visited the Pantheon square twice-one evening just sat there to watch people and hear the guitarist strum his electronic beauty sitting in the middle of the square.He was so talented.The music carried me away to another magical place .I also found time to visit Vatican by night-it was a beautiful sight.
So am back from Italia but still lost somewhere in the small towns,museums,notes of music out of nowhere and I'm most indefinitely in a food coma..those tiramisus have settled on my tummy n hip successfully ;)
Did SHOP a bit though that wasn't on the agenda but hey visiting the country which hosts the unveiling of the latest seasons trends & not shopping -doesn't make sense to the Shopaholic me ;)
Italian food, history, warm people & hi-fashion -all overtake the French in every sense.
