Help 1st trip to Italy help with sights and things of interest?

Florence is the best time spent, by far.

The best-known site and crowning architectural jewel of Florence is the domed cathedral of the city, known as "The Duomo".

At the heart of the city in Piazza della Signoria is Bartolommeo Ammanati's Fountain of Neptune, which is a masterpiece of marble sculpture at the terminus of a still functioning Roman aqueduct.

One of the bridges in particular stands out as being unique -

The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), whose most striking feature is the multitude of shops built upon its edges, held up by stilts.

First constructed by the Etruscans in ancient times, this bridge is the only one in the city to have survived World War II intact.

Accademia must-see highlight is Michelangelo's David!

The elaborate Santa Croce church contains the monumental tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Dante (a cenotaph).

We also managed a quick visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

In Rome must see Vatican, Colosseum, Fontana di Trevi,

Pantheon,

truthfully i think you will leave disappointed because there is so much to see in all of the towns and going to so many in such a short time will leave you exhausted and disappointed in what you missed. if it were me i would skip naples, known for its crime, and do an extra day in florence and rome. florence is by far the most beautiful and more serene of the cities listed. rome is a must see. hire a taxi to sightsee you around all of the major sites. they even give a narrative. it is beautiful at night. don't miss the sistine chaple in the vatican. walk to the top of the vatican if you can. (make sure you are in great shape because there is no turning back after a certain point!) it is so awsome looking out over the city and seeing the statues that you usually only see on tv. venice is ok. there is the milano glass factory and i enjoy eating out by the water. forget the gondola though unless you don't worry about money. its at least $125.00 a ride. most ride the public ferry when needed but be aware that they put on so many people that you worry it might sink!

just a few things we did that was really fun...

-eat pizza for lunch every day at a new place and get gelato, too. its amazing how different every place is, even in one city.

-florence - climb the duomo to the top, the view is amazing and one i will never forget. head to the boboli gardens and spend some time roaming and exploring. the open air markets are really great for shopping and finding great gifts to take back home. florence was my favorite part of our trip.

-rome - the vatican is a must and go there around lunch time, the line will be considerably less. try to head to st peters in the late afternoon, there is something so powerful about viewing this magnificent place while a mass is going on. take some time to roam the city but also use the subway system to get around quick and reach places that are far to walk. by exploring the city, you will get to see so much of the sites and beauty. at the different sites, carefully consider the tours that are offered, some of the fees for them are outrageous and not worth it. i think the one we took at the colosseum was good for the money. we paid 20 euros each, i think, and we got the colosseum tour and the forum.

-naples - only went here for mt. vesuvius and pompeii. pompeii was amazing and wish we had more time to spend there. vesuvius would have been impressive if it hadnt been covered in a giant cloud. so check the weather before you head up!

These people got it down.

Just to add a bit on florence:

In Florence:

Best Gelato in town- near Santa Croce, off of Borgo de Greci, called Vivoli!

You cant miss il Duomo (its huge)- def climb tower or dome-great views.

Mercado Central (central Market) near Train Station. Just for the experience, but also great food. Surrounding the market is an open air market, selling everything.

Piazza Republica- used to be center of Florence, where the Jewish Ghetto was (close to Duomo).

Best Restaurant-Off the Ponte Vecchio, (on downtown side) right before underpass to your right, is a small, amazing restaurant (have to really look for it) called Boco dell'Oruffo (something close to that). Best food! Try their eggplant lasagne, caprese salad (best Ive ever had, and ive had A LOT) and best filet mignon type tuscan steak. WOW! Just dont ask for it well done. (Anywhere)

Def. dont miss Academia, with David and Michaelangelos unfinished work.

Across the river (from center of Florence) take a left if you're crossing Ponte Vecchio, go down about two bridges and on right is a path up the mountain (not that tall). At the top is Piazza Michaelangelo, with a copy of David, (its a parking lot) with the best view of downtown Florence. DONT MISS!!

As for Venice, just get yourself lost! Its the best way to discover Venice. Also, its expensive but Do take a gondola ride if you can.

Wow! Where to start, there are so many amazing things to see and do. I guess it depemds on your interests but here are a couple of my high/lowlights

-Eat gelato on the ponte vecchio in florence

- Wander the streets of Rome (you will be amazed all of the neat historical/artistic things you will just bump into)

- Eat a good steak in tuscany

-Look at Michelangelo's unfinished work at the Accedemia in florence

-Check out the Modern art section at the Vatican museum (you may have to seek it out but totally worth it)

-Pack a picnic lunch and find a spot near St. Peter's

Lowlight

-I am a scientist so I though the History of Science museum would be neat but it was total dulls-ville

- If your time is precious as mine was I would spend a few more euros on faster trains if it means getting you into a city with a few hours of daylight.

HAVE FUN!!

In bocca al lupo!

When you are in Naples take short boat rides (about 45 min to 1 hr) to Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano, or Capri (or all!) - they are all very close and very neat towns. Pompeii is near Naples also, and that is a must-see!

Hi,

Have a look at my site which I have built upon own experiences from my Italian trips:

http://www.italyexposed.com/

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