to see require a reservation, the earlier we book, the more likely we'll get the reservation we want.Sites that require reservations:
Sites that do not require advanced reservations:
Friday, January 29, 2010
Rome: Tours, Tickets, & Times to Go
Looking at the museums and attractions in Rome it appears that some of the sites we may want to see require a reservation, the earlier we book, the more likely we'll get the reservation we want.
Sites that require reservations:
Sites that do not require advanced reservations:
to see require a reservation, the earlier we book, the more likely we'll get the reservation we want.Sites that require reservations:
Sites that do not require advanced reservations:
Thursday, January 21, 2010
I've been researching our options for getting around Italy. With a group of
our size we can reserve private transfers for about $30 more than train travel, and use the transit time to stop and explore different cities along the way. This isn't an "all or nothing" option, we can choose private transfers for some areas and train travel in others, whatever people prefer. I also propose taking the "Hop on Hop off" tours in Florence and Rome (especially Rome) since we have such a short time to explore these cities these tours are a great way to see a lot without worrying about finding our way around.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Arrive Venice via Water Taxi
$30.00
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Explore Venice via Vaporetto
$15.00 for a daily pass
Friday, October 15, 2010
Explore Venice via Vaporetto
$15.00 for a daily pass
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Arrive Florence via Verona Private Transfer
$130.00 per person for a private coach (train $91 per person)
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Explore Florence via Hop on Hop Off Tour
$30.00 per person
Monday, October 18, 2010
Cinque Terre via Lucca and Viareggio Private Transfer
$130.00 per person for private coach and ferry
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Explore Florence on Foot
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Arrive Rome via Siena by Private Transfer
$130.00 per person for a private coach (train $91 per person)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Rome Hop on Hop Off Tour
$30.00 per person
Friday, October 22, 2010
Depart for Airport via private coach
$30.00 per person
Total Transportation Costs Per Person: $540.00
(If we select all options)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Hotels Booked - Florence & Rome
Our hotel rooms in Florence and Rome are booked!
In Florence, a friend gave me a great trip (thanks Dr. Franklin)about a lovely 19th century Bed & Breakfast that has been recently renovated and is located right in the center of historic Florence. La Dimora Degli Angeli. I've reserved the Bianca, Beatrice, Matilde, and Letizia rooms - we'll pretty much fill the Inn. Breakfast is included in our stay. The hotel has a common room with free wi-fi, and snacks 24 hours per day. All rooms are air conditioned.
In Rome, we'll be using Dean and Kathy's Marriott
points to stay near the Vatican at the Marriott Courtyard Rome Central Park. This hotel offers a free daily breakfast and all th standard Marriott amenities. The Courtyard Rome 
Central Park is 4 miles from the Coloseum, 2 miles from the Vatican, 200 meters from a supermarket, and offers regular shuttle service into the heart of Rome.
For Venice I've booked the hotel Boscolo Bellini this four star hotel is just a few blocks from the train and vaporetto station and looks out onto the Grand Canal.
In Florence, a friend gave me a great trip (thanks Dr. Franklin)about a lovely 19th century Bed & Breakfast that has been recently renovated and is located right in the center of historic Florence. La Dimora Degli Angeli. I've reserved the Bianca, Beatrice, Matilde, and Letizia rooms - we'll pretty much fill the Inn. Breakfast is included in our stay. The hotel has a common room with free wi-fi, and snacks 24 hours per day. All rooms are air conditioned.In Rome, we'll be using Dean and Kathy's Marriott
points to stay near the Vatican at the Marriott Courtyard Rome Central Park. This hotel offers a free daily breakfast and all th standard Marriott amenities. The Courtyard Rome Central Park is 4 miles from the Coloseum, 2 miles from the Vatican, 200 meters from a supermarket, and offers regular shuttle service into the heart of Rome. For Venice I've booked the hotel Boscolo Bellini this four star hotel is just a few blocks from the train and vaporetto station and looks out onto the Grand Canal.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Musica a Palazzo - Opera Experience in Venice
For anyone who is interested, there is a unique Opera experience in Venice: Musica a Palazzo
This condensed opera (La Traviatta) takes place inside three different rooms of a 15th Century Ventian palace along the Grand Canal. Before the performance, guests can wander through the palace and enjoy the works of G.B. Tiepolo, Fontebasso and Mingozzi.
According to the website: "The first act begins in the Portego (central hall) where the spectators are playing the role of the guests of Violetta (Traviata) as she drinks to their health and, together with them, sees Alfredo again. The second act takes place in the Sala Tiepolo (Salon). The drama of Violetta’s illness and death is consummated in the Camera da letto (bedroom with alcove."
Thursday evening, 8:30 pm
Tickets: 50 Euro per person, booked in advance, pay in cash at the door
Friday, January 8, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
10/12 - 10/22: Proposed Itinerary
I propose the following rough itinerary:
Tuesday: Fly, arrive on Wednesday morning
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Venice
Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: Tuscany (Florence)
Wednesday, Thursday: Rome (this is the time when we can get free Marriott nights!!)
Friday: Fly Home arrive late Friday evening
Tuesday: Fly, arrive on Wednesday morning
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Venice
Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: Tuscany (Florence)
Wednesday, Thursday: Rome (this is the time when we can get free Marriott nights!!)
Friday: Fly Home arrive late Friday evening
And the travel dates are . . .
Seeing as Kathy and the Russells prefer early October and nobody has strong preferences for any specific travel date looks like early October it is. This will be a better time (lower risk of acqua alta) and warmer weather.
So, mark your calendars for October 12 - 22. Speak now or forever hold your peace!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Italy 2010 - Flight Schedules
Hello All:
Email seems too antiquated a technology for the Hughes Family 2010 Vacay, and the survey a little inflexible, so I'm thinking a blog is the best way for me to really take the obsession to the next level.
I’ve been doing much fun and fabulous research on options for our trip to Italy this fall and would like to propose an itinerary taking the following into consideration:
1. Convenient flight schedules that allow potential use of Frequent Flier Points or pay with miles discounts
2. Maximizing the most efficient train schedules
3. Usage of Marriott Points for hotel room savings
4. Convenient locations that offer opportunities for everyone to do their own thing and still gives the option for doing things as a group
With that disclaimer in place. We now officially have our first decision to make.
Decision One: Date
Looking at the best way to maximize flight schedules, be in town for Grandpa’s Birthday, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, and still have a little time to recuperate when we get back home I’ve put together a list of potential travel dates. The following dates all offer simple one connection flight options and can coordinate well between SLC and RDU.
1. Tuesday, October 19th (arrive early morning on the 20th) – Friday, October 29th
2. Tuesday, October 12th (arrives on the 13th) – Friday, October 22nd
3. Wednesday, November 3rd (arrives on the 4th) – Saturday, November 13th
4. Saturday, November 13th (arrive on the 14th) – Tuesday, November 23rd (thanksgiving is on the 25th )
Note: All of these schedules assume flying into Venice and out of Rome (which allows the easiest departure and arrival schedules).
Please post thoughts and comments on the potential travel dates. What works for you? You can post below or answer on the poll to the left.
Email seems too antiquated a technology for the Hughes Family 2010 Vacay, and the survey a little inflexible, so I'm thinking a blog is the best way for me to really take the obsession to the next level.
I’ve been doing much fun and fabulous research on options for our trip to Italy this fall and would like to propose an itinerary taking the following into consideration:
1. Convenient flight schedules that allow potential use of Frequent Flier Points or pay with miles discounts
2. Maximizing the most efficient train schedules
3. Usage of Marriott Points for hotel room savings
4. Convenient locations that offer opportunities for everyone to do their own thing and still gives the option for doing things as a group
With that disclaimer in place. We now officially have our first decision to make.
Decision One: Date
Looking at the best way to maximize flight schedules, be in town for Grandpa’s Birthday, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, and still have a little time to recuperate when we get back home I’ve put together a list of potential travel dates. The following dates all offer simple one connection flight options and can coordinate well between SLC and RDU.
1. Tuesday, October 19th (arrive early morning on the 20th) – Friday, October 29th
2. Tuesday, October 12th (arrives on the 13th) – Friday, October 22nd
3. Wednesday, November 3rd (arrives on the 4th) – Saturday, November 13th
4. Saturday, November 13th (arrive on the 14th) – Tuesday, November 23rd (thanksgiving is on the 25th )
Note: All of these schedules assume flying into Venice and out of Rome (which allows the easiest departure and arrival schedules).
Please post thoughts and comments on the potential travel dates. What works for you? You can post below or answer on the poll to the left.
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