Italy

Cortina d’Ampezzo is a small town located in the hearts of the southern Alps of the Northern Italy. Well, do not expect spending the entire day here, but its a good visit through if you are heading to/from Austria or Germany.

Overall, the view and experience of visiting Cortina d’Ampezzo was indeed breathtaking and worth your time here. You may really chill and calm your mind by the field while the tranquility level exceeds your expectations for sure.

TAKING A CHILL OUT AT CORTINA D’AMPEZZO!!

I have also stopped by Area 51 Snack Bar (slightly off away from the town) to take a break while I could just sit back and relax, breathing the best out of this place. If you’d like to take your adventure to the next level, you may visit Cortina d’Ampezzo to take-on the several activities such as trekking, cycling, or even rock climbing.

If you may, you could travel to Falzarego Pass to hit the skiing challenge!

TRANSPORTATION METHOD

By Car

I would think that by going to Cortina d’Ampezzo by car could be the best option, among others. You may do so if you are driving to/from Austria or Germany and you could choose to take this route to visit this beautiful little town in Italy.

However, driving this path may be dreadful at times depending on the road condition and of course, your tolerance on the wheels!

By ItaliaRail

From Rome/Venice (train): Whether you are travelling from Rome or Venice, you may take ItaliaRail to Calalzo Pieve Cadore-Cortina railway station. However by doing this, you must first transit at two other places, that is Conegliano and Belluno railway stations. This option however, can be really expensive and time consuming due to the several transit points, expensive train fares, and your valuable travelling time!

You may visit ItaliaRail – Website for more information.

Copyright © | Aspen See

Disclaimer: All the information and prices (as at November 2013) provided on this website are based solely on experience and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own discretion and will.

Venice is the capital of Italy’s northern Veneto region, build on more than 100 small islands. Do note that there are no roads in Venice, just canals. Need a taxi? They have got water taxis instead.

In Venice, getting lost is normal. Just stay calm and find your way out by following through the sign boards attached to the walls. I would however, advise to follow white boards leading to iconic places, as information may be more reliable that way.

You may just need an entire day or two, in order to discover Venice (depending on your pace of travel).

PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN VENICE

Walking by the Canals

It is always good to walk along the canals, to smell how Venice is like, and very much experience the gondola ride. The canal may be narrow or wide, depending on its route.

Don’t be surprised if you are lost in Venice. This is due to its geographical route that may be confusing at times. To do this, you may need to follow the route attached to the wall, by taking Rialto Bridge as a reference before moving further.

Walking your way in and out will bring you to many souvenir shops. Do be careful of pick pockets too!

Grand Canal

Upon having to arrive the Grand Canal, you will find a variety of restaurants and gondolas parked at the side. The Grand Canal also forms a major water-traffic corridors within the city.

Rialto Bridge

A view from Rialto Bridge overlooking the Grand Canal

Taking the path of the Grand Canal will lead you to the Rialto Bridge which connects both districts of San Marco and San Polo. The Rialto Bridge is also known to be the oldest bridge across the canals in which the construction began in year 1588.

From the above of Rialto Bridge, it gives you a sneak peak of its Grand Canal too.

Saint Mark’s Basilica

This is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic that was opened in year 1092. You will not miss a building like this as it stands at an opening area prior to entering the public square (St. Mark’s Square).

St. Mark’s Campanile (San Marco Campanile)

This is a bell tower located at St. Mark’s Square and it is one of the most recognizable symbol of the city. You may also access the bell tower which was well-worth it, giving you a panoramic view from the top.

An adult ticket may costs about EUR11 (subject to changes) or you may visit St. Mark’s Bell Tower – Ticket Website for your reservation or to find out more information.

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)

This is how the public square looks like, packed with human beings. It may be difficult to grab a good spot to take really good pictures of yourself (alone in it). Well, worth the try!

Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace is located just next to Saint Mark’s Basilica, stretching to the other side of the Grand Canal. Doge’s Palace has a Venetian Gothic style, also known as the main landmark of the city of Venice.

Just opposite of the Doge’s Palace is a row of romantic restaurants, where you will normally see them in the movies. I bet that dining in can be more expensive than usual. Otherwise, a gondola service is available by the canal just next to the Doge’s Palace, if you fancy a night ride.

OTHER OPTIONAL PLACES WORTH VISITING

Church of Saint Roch

This church is a Roman Catholic church that is built between year 1489 and 1508. Walking by the canals will bring you here!

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

This is known to be one of the greatest churches in Venice, standing in the middle of the district.

RECOMMENDED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION

By Foot

The only best way of getting around in Venice is by foot. You will normally get lost at times, but trust me, it’s fun.

By Water Taxis

Water taxis is an expensive method of transport within Venice which may range between EUR40 – EUR70 if you are travelling within the historic centers, but still depends on location. These water taxis however, may hold up to 10 people and therefore may cost even more.

Do be careful as they may marked its fares outrageously high, aimed at tourist/visitors.

TYPICAL COSTS AND MONEY SAVING TIPS

Hotel Prices

• Hotel rooms: Starts about EUR45 per night but a room at a 3-star hotel could possibly be about EUR65 – EUR70 at average per night for 2 persons.

Food & Drinks

• Typical restaurant: An average meal could cost about EUR10 and
• Good restaurant: Could start as high as EUR25 for an average meal.

Transportation

• From Rome (train): You may travel to Venice by train, arriving at Venezia Santa Lucia railway station. By doing this, you may choose to take ItaliaRail that costs about EUR50 – EUR55 for an adult (single journey). The journey however, takes about 3 hours 45 minutes ride (depending on the date/time of your visit); and
• From Florence (train): You may travel to Venice by train, arriving at Venezia Santa Lucia railway station. By doing this, you may choose to take ItaliaRail that costs about EUR30 – EUR35, for an adult (single journey). The journey however, takes about 2 hours of ride (depending on the date/time of your visit).

You may visit ItalianRail – Website for more information.

Copyright © | Aspen See

Disclaimer: All the information and prices (as at October 2013) provided on this website are based solely on experience and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own discretion and will.

Rome is the capital city of Italy, being one of the most visited cities in Europe. They nevertheless, has many influence when comes to arts and historical buildings, its architectural and cultural learning.

Rome is packed with tourists and visitors every year while one may easily get lost but do however, stick close to one another (be careful of pickpockets too). I would suggest that 3 – 4 days is sufficient, depending on how you would spend your time here, including the visit of the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope.

PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN ROME

Colosseum & the Arch of Constantine

The Colosseum is a large amphitheater, begun in AD82 by the Roman emperor, Vespasian while his son acts as his predecessor added the fourth story on it. Well, the Colosseum is used for theatrical performances, festivals, circuses, or games that entertains the Roman official.

It is an eye-opening experience and worth while to pay a visit into the Colosseum. An adult ticket may costs about EUR12 (subject to changes) which will normally include tickets into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as well. If you wish, you may include an add-on of an audio guide for EUR5.50; or a video-audio guide for EUR6 for a limited duration of use.

You may visit Colosseum Ticket Office – Website for more information on its ticketing, add-ons, and opening hours.

Nearest Metro station: Colosseo

Arch of Titus

Really close to the Colosseum is the Arch of Titus, constructed in AD82 by the Emperor Domitian to commemorate Titus’s victories, after Titus’s death.

Titus was a Roman Emperor from AD79 to AD81 and is the older brother of Emperor Domitian. They are the children and predecessor of Vespasian.

Nearest Metro station: Colosseo

Roman Forum

Julius Caesar’s Grave

Now known as a Roman Forum, still stands the standing and fallen ruins and arches, as well as the ancient remains which stood back two millennia, now situated in a busy modern city of Rome. These ruins and ancient buildings were important ancient government buildings.

You will still find its iconic structures such as the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, Temple of Caesar, as well as the Temple of Romulus. I even had the chance to see the grave of Julius Caesar which was once a Roman politician and general, which played a critical role during the Roman Empire.

The tickets into the Roman Forum are normally included with the Colosseum tickets as well.

Nearest Metro station: Colosseo

Palatine Hill

The Palatine Hill is a park filled with magnificent ruins of ancient Rome, which is also evidencing the Rome’s settlement in the past. Do that on a sunny day!

The tickets into the Palatine Hill are normally included with the Colosseum tickets as well.

Nearest Metro station: Colosseo

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Rome, that has the saying of throwing a coin will assure your return to Rome. I bet that you can find a fortune of coins in it, where many people would do so.

It is a masterpiece where you will see them often in movies, particularly love stories.

Nearest Metro station: Barberini

Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of the best preserved monument in Roman times where it was damaged by fire, and rebuilt in AD80. This building was way too long and intact for over 2,000 years.

Pantheon is now a church, which was once a Roman temple. You may enter the Pantheon through the giant doors of its tremendous history and well-worth the study!

Piazza di Spagna and its Spanish Steps

Why was it called as Spanish Steps when it was built in Italy, designed by an Italian architect? Nothing, they were just steps leading to the Spain Embassy. After all, they were steps located just next to the Piazza di Spagna, being one of the most famous squares in Rome.

These Spanish Steps had a massive refurbishments that are sponsored by Bulgari, an Italian luxury brand. On the other hand, the square has the first McDonald’s restaurant in Italy which was protested by the locals in the past, saying that no American chain should have a place in Rome’s historic centre.

Why don’t you grab a burger and eat by the Spanish Steps? No, you are not allowed and it is prohibited to do that as well.

Nearest Metro station: Spagna

OTHER OPTIONAL PLACES WORTH VISITING

Altare della Patria

It was dark during my visit to the Altare della Patria, a large monument that was built to honor the first king of a unified Italy. Best to visit here during the day time!

Nearest Metro station: Colosseo

RECOMMENDED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION

By Foot

The best way of getting through the corners and inner Rome is by foot. You must understand that Rome is well-packed with tourists and filled with countless historic buildings. Therefore, going by foot is an ideal option but you ought to have a lot of walking to do.

By Metro

Metro is available as well, that is used to be called as Metropolitana by the locals. The Metro option however, does not cover the inner city but still a good option to travel from one point further away to another.

You may visit Rome Metro – Website (unofficial) for more information.

By Bus

Just like the Metro, it is still a good option to travel from one point further away to another. For instance, buses can be a good option than walking if you are heading to the Vatican City, also known to be the smallest country in the world.

TYPICAL COSTS AND MONEY SAVING TIPS

Hostel Prices

• Shared dorm rooms: Starts at EUR30 per pax/night, but EUR60 is average.

I am not too sure about hosteling in Rome and based on estimated prices, you could save money this way.

Hotel Prices

• Hotel rooms: Starts about EUR45 per night but a room at a 3-star hotel could possibly be about EUR70 – EUR80 at average per night for 2 persons.

Food & Drinks

• Typical restaurant: An average meal could cost about EUR8 and
• Good restaurant: Could start as high as EUR20 for an average meal.

Transportation

• From Florence (train): You may travel to Rome by train, arriving at Roma Tiburtina railway station. By doing this, you may choose to take ItaliaRail that costs about EUR25 – EUR30, for an adult (single journey). The journey however, takes about 1 hour 30 minutes of ride (depending on the date/time of your visit); and
• From Venice (train): You may travel to Rome by train, arriving at Roma Tiburtina railway station. By doing this, you may choose to take ItaliaRail that costs about EUR50 – EUR55 for an adult (single journey). The journey however, takes about 3 hours 45 minutes ride (depending on the date/time of your visit).

You may visit ItalianRail – Website for more information. Alternatively, you may also look at Italo railway company at Italo railway – Website.

Copyright © | Aspen See

Disclaimer: All the information and prices (as at October 2013) provided on this website are based solely on experience and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own discretion and will.

Florence is the capital city of Italy’s Tuscany region, in which there are about 20 regions overall in Italy. Every time I hear about Florence, this reminds me of the leather market of which you may buy them at lower prices, in comparison to any other parts of the world. The quality are good too!

I would suggest that an entire day or two may be sufficient to discover Florence, depending on your pace. There are many museums here, but I would rather spend most of my time at old historic buildings, its river, and of course the awesome gelato ice cream!

PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN FLORENCE

Florence Cathedral (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)

The Florence Cathedral is a huge and a wide structure that gives you chills! Nevertheless, it is Florence’s main church and made in Gothic style. Though, I had problems fitting myself into a picture that tries to fit all in it.

Florence Baptistery (The Baptistery of St. John Battistero di San Giovanni)

Just opposite of the Cathedral is the Baptistery that is used as a religious building in Florence.

Piazza della Signoria & Fountain of Neptune

This is a square where you will find various eateries, souvenir shops and museums. Also, you will find the Fountain of Neptune, that is made out of marble and bronze. It was also said that the fountain have suffered a great deal of damage and vandalism during the centuries.

A stroll on Arno River & Monumento a Benvenuto Cellini

Monumento a Benvenuto Cellini

A stroll along Arno River keeps the night younger by taking your path towards the Ponte Vecchio Bridge where you will also find the Monumento a Benvenuto Cellini who is an important Italian artists of Mannerism.

This means that he was well respected of his work!

Visit the San Lorenzo Market

In Florence, you should never miss to visit the San Lorenzo Market that is popular for its leather market. The smell of genuine leather is all in the air throughout the market where vendors will normally demonstrate how their leather can be as pure and genuine (even by lighting the leather with fire). Grab something, because I did!

In San Lorenzo Market, you will find food and other souvenirs shops too.

Piazzale Michelangelo

I would also recommend coming here as it gives you a panoramic view of Florence. Glad it was a sunny day during my visit, and mainly accessible by foot only. However, there are many tour buses but if you are doing your backpacks by your own, you may walk your way from central Florence which takes about 30 – 35 minutes. Public buses however, will only stop along the banks of Arno river.

OTHER OPTIONAL PLACES WORTH VISITING

Take a stroll along Via del Corso

Not too far from Florence’s Cathedral, is the Via del Corse that was worth to take a walk on a lovely day. During the day (especially during summer seasons), these streets are normally packed as these areas are known also as shopping places.

Museo di Palazzo Vecchio

Located just adjacent to the Piazza della Signoria is the Museo di Palazzo Vecchio.

San Marco Museum

Some museums I walked by and you may pay a visit if you are keen!

FOOD AND DRINKS YOU’D LIKE TO TRY

Gelato Ice Cream

Gelato Ice Cream

Lets dive in!

In Italy, you shall not miss any of these awesome Gelato ice creams! Most stalls / shops do come with various flavours, and served in tall shape! If you don’t already know, Gelato is originated in Italy that is normally made with a base of milk, cream, and sugar.

It is sweet and salty depending on your choice of flavours, but best to eat em’ on a hot sunny day!

RECOMMENDED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION

By Foot

I would suggest that you go by foot during your visit in Florence. These roads are considerably narrow and public buses may not have access to all of them.

TYPICAL COSTS AND MONEY SAVING TIPS

Hostel Prices

• Shared dorm rooms: Starts at EUR40 per pax/night, but EUR55 is average.

I am not too sure about hosteling in Florence and based on estimated prices, you could save money this way.

Hotel Prices

• Hotel rooms: Starts about EUR55 per night but a room at a 3-star hotel could possibly be about EUR70 – EUR75 at average per night for 2 persons.

Food & Drinks

• Typical restaurant: An average meal could cost about EUR7 and
• Good restaurant: Could start as high as EUR20 for an average meal.

Transportation

• From Rome (train): You may travel to Florence by train, arriving at Firenze Santa Maria Novella railway station. By doing this, you may choose to take ItaliaRail that costs about EUR25 – EUR30 for an adult (single journey). The journey however, takes about 1 hour 30 minutes ride (depending on the date/time of your visit); and
• From Pisa (train): You may travel to Florence by train, arriving at Firenze Santa Maria Novella railway station. By doing this, you may choose to take ItaliaRail that costs about EUR10 or less, for an adult (single journey). The journey however, takes about an hour to 1 hour 10 minutes ride (depending on the date/time of your visit).

You may visit ItalianRail – Website for more information.

Copyright © | Aspen See

Disclaimer: All the information and prices (as at October 2013) provided on this website are based solely on experience and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own discretion and will.

Pisa is a city located in the Tuscany region of Italy, about 80 kilometres away from Florence. If you don’t already know, Pisa is mostly popular of its iconic structure, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, amongst others.

I would suggest that a day trip from Florence to Pisa is ideal, or a bus ride from Switzerland (depending on which route you are taking from).

A SHORT DAY TRIP TO PISA!

The entrance into the walls

Pulling the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Pisa Cathedral (Cattedrale di Pisa)

Piazza del Duomo

Upon entering the walls, you will see several magnificent buildings that are located just next to each other. These places are crowded and do be careful of pick pockets.

You will need to get a really good spot to pose yourself with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It’s time to show how creative you are, and you ain’t alone.

Next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is the Pisa Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo which were all known as the oldest buildings in Pisa. For instance, the construction of the Leaning Tower began in August 1173 while the Pisa Cathedral was opened in year 1092. That is way too long ago.

Next, I was informed that it is actually illegal to buy goods / shits from vendors outside the wall. Just take note and buy them swiftly (if you need). You may also ignore people coming up to you selling stuffs like chains and ornaments, by simply saying “no” to them and just walk away.

RECOMMENDED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION & ITS COSTS

By Foot / Public Bus

Although you may find public buses in Pisa, I would still suggest walking your way to the Leaning Tower of Pisa (which takes about 20 – 25 minutes by foot). C’mon, you don’t come all the way to take more buses isn’t it? Get your self some real walk and blend into the people and see how the streets are like!

Just don’t get lost!

Florence to Pisa (Train)

You may take a day trip to Pisa, if you are travelling from Florence. You may choose to take ItaliaRail that costs about EUR10 or less, for an adult (single journey). The journey however, takes about an hour to 1 hour 10 minutes ride (depending on the date/time of your visit).

Your train from Florence will arrive at Pisa Central Station (Stazione Pisa Centrale) and you may visit ItaliaRail – Website for more information.

Copyright © | Aspen See

Disclaimer: All the information and prices (as at October 2013) provided on this website are based solely on experience and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own discretion and will.