Italy 2013, Wrap Up

• Overall what we did: 30 days split into: 13 days on tour with approximately 13 days touring on our own through Italy, with 2 days in Dubai (and two days on the plane) in June 2013
• Favourite part of Italy: Florence, without a doubt. One of the most beautiful cities I’ve visited, and lots to see and do. There was never a dull moment in Florence
• Key tip: Try to learn a bit of the local language. This applies to any country that doesn’t speak your native language though – it’s always appreciated when you at least attempt it
• Cultural points:
• Queues: Queues? Don’t you mean elbows? Queues sort of exist in Italy, but beware leaving any gaps otherwise you might not get out of the queue
• Pedestrian Crossings: Beware the pedestrian crossings! They are purely decorative on Italian roads – you will have to build up some courage when crossing.
• Highlights: There were a lot of highlights during our Italy and Dubai trip. Having high tea at the Burj Al Arab, running around Siena – too many to count!
• Best City: Florence! Need I say anymore, it’s a great city
• Worst City: Rome. Not great to try to move around Rome during the middle of a world Harley Davidson convention and Gay pride parade… both on during the same day. It was also the worst city for street hawkers.
• Must See Attraction: We visited a lot of spectacular places in Italy. The Vatican Museums and St Peters Basilica were pretty amazing – they’re worth seeing if you’re in Rome. In Florence, definitely check out the Duomo and the amazing ceiling of the Baptistry



• Most Over-hyped Attraction: Juliet’s Balcony in Verona. Can’t say it was overhyped as had never heard of it before, but it certainly wasn’t memorable
• Would I go back? To Florence, absolutely. To Rome, no. Italy was a bit of a mix for me – I think I would go back to the country but would like to visit other places first before I head back.

Original Posts:

• All Roads Lead to Rome
• Stato Della Citta Del Vaticano
• Racing Around Siena
• Hunting for David in Florence
• Walled In San Gimignano
• Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Cruising Lake Maggiore
• Verona, Verona Wherefore Art Thou Verona
• Birthday Celebrations in Venice
• The Three Lakes and Lake Como
• Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna
• The World Heritage Site of Assisi
• Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast
• The Isle of Capri
• Ruins of Pompeii
• Through the Museums of Rome
• Hiking the Cinque Terre
• High Fashion Milan
• Cruising through the Dust of Dubai

So where did we go? A map view:
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