Notes for next time

Our Italian adventure was fantastico.

1. The mix of activities made a good balance. Hiking the Cinque Terre was a unique adventure that we loved. In retrospect, it would have been easier if we had done it after a few more days of climbing the steep streets of some of the hill towns.


2. Amazing sites and memorable views - the Campo (square) in Siena and the view of it and the surrounding countryside from the top of the Mangia Tower, ranks as # 1. Views of Rome from the Castel d' Angelo and the Pincio are also spectacular. And of course, the cliffside panorama from the Cinque Terre coastal path is breathtaking - and this, from someone raised in Cape Town, is saying something.


3. All the hotels were excellent and we would go back to them again. Each had something unique - Hotel Orcagna in Florence had the best room, best WiFi access and was by far the best value; Hotel Porticciolo in Fumicino is a convenient stop from the airport - also had the best bathroom; Hotel Oceania in Roma was quite a find on a quiet street, but convenient to train station and many great sites; Hotel Porta Romana in Siena had the best breakfast and great views of Tuscan countryside; Hotel Al Sole in Venezia in the old palazzo was a perfect location for bus, train or vaporetto, but also away from the hub bub of tourist mayhem - quite reasonable by Venetian standards; Locanda Ca'Dei Duxi in charming Riomaggiore arranged parking, which is essential if you arrive in the Cinque Terre by car.


4. Loved all the towns we visited, but our favourite is Siena. Would like to return and stay longer in the area and explore the wineries and hill towns of Tuscany more. Peter would add - the roads in the area are great for motorcyles.


5. The car rental through Kemwell was a bargain. Everything went smoothly and there were no hidden charges. A discount online booking service, we would definitely use them again.


6. Overall the food was delizioso. Our favourite restaurant was the San Pietro in Siena where Peter had an amazing steak dinner, a specialty of the area. I also loved the funky little place behind the Piazza Navona in Rome. - don't know its name.


7. Best gelato was in Venice. Second best, at Ed's in Toronto.


8. Must go back - to see Ostia Antica, the ancient port city of Rome that we missed; the secret Medici passage across the Ponte Vecchio in Firenze; the Borghese Gallery and the newly unveiled archeological dig of Hadrian's Auditorium in Rome; re-visit Siena and explore the Tuscan coutryside; etc etc.