File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
Hey /trv/, never posted in here before, but you seem like the folks to give me advice on this.

Next week I'm touring Italy with my college's concert band. Our schedule allows for plenty of free time, and I was wondering if you guys would have any suggestions of things to do in the area.

I have blocks of time available in Rome, Florence, and Venice. From what I am told, I won't have any trouble finding something to do, but I was curious if you folks had any suggestions.
>> Anonymous
Also, pic unrelated, I'm not going to Pisa.
>> Anonymous
Do the usual things that you would do in those parts. Food, sight seeing, etc. Florence has lots of good shopping, but beware of some of the Moroccans and Gypsies that will try to rip you off and sell you knock off items. Sucks that you will not be going to Southern Italy. Naples is pretty industrial and nasty, Bari is alright, but Calabria is beautiful and the beaches are breath taking as well as the mountains. It has little to no tourism, is totally unincorporated, with cute boutiques, and quaint little towns. Then again, you might like shopping and sight seeing. When I go on vacation, I am much more of a beach, sun, and relaxation person. I hate going to tourist spots. Make sure to visit the Vatican when you are in Rome just to see it. Make sure you are fully clothed though. They will not let you in wearing shorts!
>> Anonymous
One more thing, buy gold when you are there. They have 18kt gold for cheap. In the States, we have 10 and 14 kt gold for double the price that they sell 18 kt at. Florence is a good place to buy leather goods too. In Rome, it is nice to have your portrait drawn by some of the street artists.
>> Anonymous
venice is great to just walk around in. you get the feeling the whole place could be owned by disney, but i really enjoyed wandering around a bit off the beaten path. a few blocks either side of the main drag and you may find that you have the place to yourself (probably a bit further since its summer).

just dont sit down for coffee or they will charge you triple

oh and the peggy guggenheim museum is a must if you love art (but you're going to florence so there will be plenty of museums)