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Rome Tours
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Colosseum & Ancient City Tour
Roman Candle Night Tour
Jewish Ghetto, Tiber Island & Trastevere Tour
Ostia Antica Tour
Rome & Vatican in a Day
Borghese Gallery Tour
Tivoli, Hadrian's Villa and the Gardens of Villa d'Este
Catacombs and Hill Towns of Rome
Vatican Tours
View all Vatican Tours
Vatican Tour 3 hours - Private
5 Hour Vatican In Depth Tour
Florence & Tuscany Tours
View all Tours in Florence
Accademia Gallery & Best of Florence Tour
Uffizi Gallery & Wonders of Florence Tour
Siena & San Gimignano in a Day from Florence
Pisa - Square of the Miracles Tour
Naples & Amalfi Coast Tours
Overview
Private Pompeii Tour
Sorrento and Capri Full Day Private Boat Excursion
Venice Tours
View all Venice Tours
St Mark's & Rialto Bridge
Venice Evening Boat and Walking Tour
Cruise Excursions
View all Cruise Excursions
Civitavecchia Full day Excursion into Rome
Livorno Full Day Excursion to Pisa and Florence
Naples Full Day Excursion to Pompeii, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast
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Fun 4 Kids
Dining in Italy
Multimedia
Roman Candle Vatican Tours Video
Roman Candle Night Tour
Colosseum & Ancient City Tour
Italy Blog
2024
Oct
10
traveling to tuscany: when to come & why it’s a good idea
2024
Jun
05
the best of portofino: italy’s paradise by the sea
2024
Apr
17
8 most beautiful gardens to visit in italy this spring
Venice Blog
2024
Oct
10
the many colorful personas of venice’s giacomo casanova
2024
Jun
05
venice by boat: spending a serene day out on the water
2024
Feb
29
off the beaten track: the best things to do in venice
Italian Food&Wine Blog
2024
Oct
10
italy's ten fall flavors
2024
Jun
05
the best of southern italian cuisine by region: apulia, calabria, campania, sicily, and sardinia
2024
Apr
17
fantastic italian food festivals that are worth a pit stop
Rome Blog
2024
Oct
10
reasons to visit rome in the fall
2024
Jun
05
the emperor's summer residency - tivoli
2024
Feb
29
a day in trastevere: from morning till midnight
Florence Blog
2024
Nov
26
how to celebrate thanksgiving in florence
2024
Oct
10
visiting florence in fall
2024
Jun
05
the best beach trips from florence
Useful Information, FAQ and Tips
For a more enjoyable vacation
This page will help you prepare for your trip to Italy by providing lots of helpful information. Italy is a place full of wonders, there is no limit when it comes to new things to see, do, eat and experience. However, Italy is also a place full of surprises. It is best to be informed so that you can take in all of the new discoveries with open arms.
FAQs
FAQs
---
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Fequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that you would like answered quickly then hopefully you will be able to find the answer on our FAQ's page. If you cannot find what you are looking for then please don't hesitate to
contact us
.
How do E-tickets work?
Soon after payment is completed you will receive an automated Booking Confirmation Email (E-ticket). The e-ticket will contain your Booking Details, the Meeting Point, Map & and all other relevant information you need for your tour. On average, it will take about 1 - 5 minutes for the e-ticket to be received by our guests. (As the email contains a map and other images it may be tagged as spam or junk mail so PLEASE CHECK YOUR BULK / SPAM FOLDER!!!) Although it is not necessary, we recommend that you print your e-ticket so that you have all of the meeting info and map easily accessible. If you do not wish to print your e-ticket, you can simply arrive to the meeting point with your e-ticket number as the tour guide will already have all the details of your booking. If you do not wish to print the e-ticket we strongly recommend that you mark on another map where the meeting point is.
I have reserved a tour but have not yet received the confirmation email. What is wrong?
If you have completed payment for the tour and you have not yet received the confirmation email there may be the following problems,- Your payment is under review. This generally happens when you have decided to pay for the tour with an echeck as opposed to with a credit card or instant payment. Once the echeck has cleared you will receive the confirmation email. If you are booking a tour last minute then it is best not to pay via echeck so that you receive the voucher immediately. - Our confirmation email has been placed in your Junk / Spam folder. Please check this folder to see if it has been placed there.- Your have not entered your correct email address and the voucher was undeliverable. If you think this may be the case please contact us.**If the E-Ticket is not received within 6hrs please contact us and we will re-send the information manually.
Do we have to book in advance or can I book a tour once arriving in Italy?
If you would like to join one of our tours it is best that you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Our team is relatively small so although we will always do our best to accommodate, booking at the last minute is not recommended.
Do you offer tours of any other sites or cities that are not listed on the website?
Our most popular tours are the sites and cities offered on the site. However, if you are interested in visiting something or somewhere that is not included on our website let us know and we will be happy to arrange a tour for you. Our knowledge in the field is pretty extensive so it’s unlikely that you will ask for something we don't know about! We know and work with the best guides that live all over Italy and they are capable of touring almost everything in Italy.
If we join your tour, must we stand in line to get into the Vatican Museums?
No! We will reserve Priority Entrance tickets for you ensuring that the line into the Vatican Museums will be skipped!
Do we have to wait in line to enter St. Peter's Basilica?
NO, we use the guide's reserved exit out of the Sistine Chapel which brings us directly to St. Peter's Basilica without waiting in line. If of course this exit is closed due to restoration or some other reason then we will have to take the main exit out of the Vatican Museums, walk around the Vatican walls in the direction of St. Peter's Basilica to pass through security. In this rare case, it will be later in the afternoons and the crowds are no longer an issue.
Where is a good place to find accommodation in Italy?
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Hotels in Italy with Special Offers
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Hotel Accommodation in Rome
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Cheap Hotels in Rome
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Best Bed and Breakfasts in Rome
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Hotel Accommodation in Venice
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Hotel Accommodation in Florence
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Hotel Accommodation in Amalfi
Do we enter the Colosseum?
YES, the Roman Candle Tour of Rome's Ancient City takes you right inside of the Colosseum! This is definitely something that should not be missed! If you book the Colosseum & Ancient City Tour then you will enter the Colosseum.
Do I have to wait in line at the Colosseum?
No, on the day of the guided tour our Roman Candle Guides will have pre-purchased tickets for you ensuring that the lines are skipped.
Do I have to wait in line when entering the Accademia Gallery or the Uffizi Gallery in Florence?
No, we make all necessary reservations for you ensuring that we do not have to wait in line at either museum.
Where do we meet for our tour?
If you look at the bottom of each tour itinerary page (ie. Vatican Tour, Colosseum Tour) you will see the meeting point information and map. Once you have booked your tour, you will then receive a confirmation email including further meeting point details, maps and images, with precise printable directions.
Can I choose what time to have a private tour?
Yes, you can arrange a private tour whenever you please, granted the site is open. The times which are suggested are times that we think are the best in terms of avoiding the crowds and the summer sun.
When do we purchase tickets?
This depends on the tour of choice. For the main sites (Vatican, Colosseum, Borghese Gallery, Accademia, Uffizi, St. Mark's Basilica) tickets are purchased in advance by us ensuring that the lines are skipped. For other sites which do not need a reservation (Pompeii, Ostia Antica, Hadrian's Villa...) the tickets are bought on site.
Can we pay the tour guide and / or entrance fees using credit cards on the day of the tour?
The tour guide will not have the ability to accept credit cards on the day of the tour. Please come prepared with Euro cash.Although some sites do, not all accept credit cards so again it is best to come prepared with Euro cash.
Are the tours only offered in English?
We do offer private tours in English, German, Spanish, French, Russian, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish and Chinese. No matter what language the tour is conducted in, all of our guides speak that language fluently.
Are the tours wheelchair friendly?
Again, this depends on the tour of choice. In any case, it is always best to book a private tour when touring with a wheelchair. Please contact us for more information on the site you would like to visit and we will give you our honest advice and opinion.
What if it is raining on the day of the tour?
We plan to run all scheduled tours as scheduled.
Can we take photographs while on tour?
Most of the sites that we tour do allow photography but generally without a flash, especially while indoors. Your guide will notify you when and where it is possible to take photos at the beginning of each tour.
Can I bring my backpack, tripod, laptop... while on tour?
Most museums will not allow you to bring a backpack or large purse into the site. A baggage deposit is available however we always suggest to pack as lightly as possible as the baggage deposit is at the beginning of the tour and most often we do not finish at the same location as where we begin. Tripods, large umbrellas, pocket knives, glass bottles, laptops are most often not permitted through museum security so please do not bring these objects when going on tour.
Is there a dress code on certain tours?
Yes! If you are taking a tour which includes a visit to a church then we are asked to respect the rules of the church. When visiting a church in Italy and ESPECIALLY the Vatican, it is important for both men and women to have knees, shoulders and stomachs fully covered. We always recommend comfortable shoes!
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Accommodation
Where
to stay
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Suggestions for the best beds in Italy.
Our partners at 'Italy Hotels Direct' have an abundance of great hotels all throughout Italy to fit any price range. This section is dedicated to help you find the accommodation right for you. When booking directly through the hotels official websites you get the best rates while taking advantage of specials offers like complimentary breakfast buffets, free Wi-Fi and other promotions.
With over 30,000 hotels in Italy it may be a tedious process deciding which hotel suits you best. For this reason we have selected the following hotels in Italy which we would recommend due to their location, service, value, cleanliness, ect, ect, ect.
Accommodation in Rome
5 Star - Rome
Intercontinental De La Ville Roma
- At the top of the Spanish steps this hotel's location is right in the heart of things yet conveniently tucked away from the mobs of tourists. It's very well preserved historical building and helpful staff makes for a special stay.
Hotel website
4 Star - Rome
Hotel Atlante Star
- Located very close to the Vatican and Castel of Angels you can walk to many of Rome's (and the Vatican's) main attractions with easy. Great
terrace
restaurant and bar with a view of the St. Peter's Basilica.
Hotel website
3 Star
- Rome
Albergo Del Senato
- This hotel could not have a more central location as many of its rooms overlook Piazza della Rotonda and the Pantheon. This is the perfect place to stay for those who wish to explore Rome on foot as you can walk to almost every main attraction in the city in less than 30 minutes. Great breakfast buffet!
Hotel website
Luxury Suites and Deluxe Apartments
- Rome
Navona Garden Suites
- Just a stone throw away from Piazza Navona in a 16th century Roman palazzo, these luxury suites and apartments will not disappoint. The staff is friendly, the rooms are clean and the surrounding area has everything you will need to experience Rome in all of its glory.
Accommodation website
Bed & Breakfast
- Rome
Roma Trasteverina B&B
- As you may guess from the name, this B&B is located in quarters of Trastevere, one of Rome most popular districts for restaurants, wine bars, bars and gelaterias for both Romans and tourists alike. The area if full of pedestrian cobble stone streets which gives you the feeling as if you are in a village, rather than the capital city of Italy.
B&B website
Accomodation in Florence
5 Star - Florence
Palazzo Magnani Feroni
- There is no better way to immerse yourself into the Renaissance then coming to Florence and staying at the Palazzo Magnani Feroni. Located south of the Arno River and walking distance to the main sites, this
exquisitely restored
luxury
accommodation
will take your breath away.
Hotel website
4 Star - Florence
Hotel Tornabuoni Beacci
- Split between 2 Renaissance palazzi, this hotel is located on one of Florence's high end shopping streets minutes walk from the best sites. Each room is beautifully decorated yet completely different from one another; some with frescoes, some with murano glass chandeliers... Great restaurant terrace and bar with amazing views of the city.
Hotel website
3 Star
- Florence
Hotel Relais il Cestello
- Situated on the south banks of the Arno River you are in the more residential and less touristy area of the city where the real Florentine way of life, comes to life. However, as the historical center of Florence is so small you are minutes away from Ponte Vecchio which then leads you into all of the action with the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza Del Signoria and the Duomo only a 10 minute walk away.
Hotel website
2 Star
- Florence
Hotel Nuova Italia
- Only a 5 minute walk from the central train station Santa Maria Novella and a 5 minute walk to the city center, this is a great place to stay for someone travelling Italy on a budget and by rail. This family run hotel is clean, comfortable and great value for money.
Hotel website
Bed & Breakfast
- Florence
Duomo View B&B
- Location, location, location! The name of this B&B should give it away; Duomo View. As you can imagine, this B&B is directly next to Florence's Duomo with many of the rooms looking onto the Duomo itself. It's helpful staff, fantastic location, sufficient breakfast and great price make it a winner in many ways.
B&B website
Accommodation in Venice
5 Star - Venice
Hotel Villa Franceschi
- Although this Hotel is not in Venice itself it is well worth mentioning as it is a luxury accommodation complex unlike any other. If you want to feel like royalty from the 16th century then this is the place for you.
Hotel website
4 Star - Venice
Hotel Foscari Palace
- This boutique hotel located on Venice's Grand Canal has everything you need for a great stay in. The large and uniquely decorated rooms looking over the grand canal will put you in a dream state. This hotel offers great services, a fantastic breakfast and a beautiful roof terrace to relax on after exploring the city.
Hotel website
3 Star - Venice
Hotel Casa Verardo
- Casa Verardo 'Residenza d'Epoca' (historical location) was once home to a Venetian noble, it is extremely local yet off the main roads which makes for a quiet night sleep. Only minutes away from Saint Mark's Church and the Galleria Accademia you will be touring the sites as soon as you step out of the hotel. W
ith only 25 rooms it feels as if you have the hotel bar, garden and stunning rooftop terrace all for yourself.
Hotel website
2 Star - Venice
Hotel Serenissima
- This charming and
quaint
hotel is more then one can ask for when arriving in Venice on a budget. Very close to the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square it is in the perfect location to explore the city. It's family run
atmosphere
adds to the charm and all of the staff is very friendly.
Hotel website
Luxury Guest Rooms
Residenza Ca' San Marco
- Although a little difficult to find, this gem of a hotel is centrally located and done up to the nines with silk tapestries and murano glass giving it a typical rich Venetian feel. Both the rooms and bathroom are spacious with little added bonuses like massage bathtubs and free wifi throughout the premises.
Accommodation website
Accommodation on the Amalfi Coast
5 Star - Positano
Le Sirenuse Hotel
- Located in the heart of Positano and towering over the bay of Positano is Le Sirenuse Hotel, you will be creating your own picture perfect postcards from your hotel room balcony. Large vaulted ceilings, whitewashed walls, marble counters, handmade tiles, a michelin star restaurant and seemingly endless blue skies will make you wish you could call this hotel home.
Hotel website
4 Star - Sorrento
Grand Hotel Hermitage
- On the hillside of Sorrento this hotel is a great destination for a relaxing retreat. The Grand Hermitage offers fantastic views of Sorrento, the Mediterranean and Vesuvius. There is no need to worry about being bored at its remote location as you can occupy your time by the pool, go for walks through the stunning countryside or taste test the fine local delights. The free hotel shuttle to and from the town of Sorrento ensures that you can let the limoncello flow.
Hotel website
3 Star - Amalfi
Hotel Dei Cavalieri
- Noted as one of the best 3 star hotels in the area, Dei Cavalieri is slightly elevated from the town of Amalfi yet just a 10 min walk to into town. The staff if friendly, the hotel offers breathtaking panoramic views, comfortable rooms and a generous breakfast that will not disappoint. All around great value for money.
Hotel website
Bed & Breakfast - Ravello
Auditorium Rooms Bed & Breakfast
- This B&B is situated at the top of the mountainous Amalfi coast. Looking over a great portion of the coast this hotel offers some of the best views in the area. Built by the present owners grandmother the Auditorium is still kept in great condition. The very friendly and helpful owners make sure that you have everything you need to relax and enjoy the view.
B&B website
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Fun 4 Kids
Fun 4
Kids
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Keeping little explorers engaged...
Choosing Italy for your family vacation gives your children the unique opportunity to see into the past, learn about the great history and many stories of this fascinating land and experience a totally different culture to their own.
However, it is not always easy to keep children engaged
, especially when a visitors check list includes museums and sites which may not be of much interest to a kid.
This is why we have created a 'Fun 4 Kids' itinerary that will keep the whole family interested and having fun!
Quick links,
Kids in Rome
Kids in Rome
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Talk to Animals
: For some fun on wheels, consider renting bikes for the afternoon (Viale dell'Orologio, on the Pincio hill, or Piazzale M. Cervantes) before heading over to Rome's zoo,
Bioparco
,
both set in the massive Villa Borghese park. The zoo (Piazzale del Giardino Zoologico 1), which is one of the oldest in Europe, is home to more than 1,000 animals.
-
Adventures in Learning
: Kids love hands-on activities and Rome has one museum that encourages them to do just that.
The Explora Children's Museum
(Via Flaminia 82, near Piazza del Popolo) is a miniature realistic cityscape for children under 12 whose exhibits take them—and their bodies—through life in the big city. Though the exhibits are mainly in Italian, the visuals, effects, and touchy-feely stuff seem to hold the children's attention whatever their language. Elsewhere, kids learn about the workings of a post office, a bank, and the ABCs of recycling. Also fun for kids are the workshops and readings at the Casina di Raffaello (“Raphael’s House”) in Villa Borghese (Viale della Casina di Raffaello, Piazza di Siena). Tuesday through Sunday, they offer all sorts of activities from painting to games.
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The World on a String
: Over on the Pincio hill in the Villa Borghese park (usually accessed via Piazza del Popolo) is the
Teatro Stabile dei Burattini "San Carlino,"
which puts on live puppet shows on weekends (Viale dei Bambini Villa Borghese).
-
'i Gatti'
(the street cats of Rome) : Kids can go on a free guided tour of the ancient ruins of Largo di Torre Argentina in the center of Rome. This large set of ruins have been made into a cat sanctuary and home for hundreds of once-homeless Roman cats. Mom and Dad, meanwhile, can ooh-and-aah at the relics and remains of one of the oldest (300 BC) temples in Rome. The cat sanctuary offer a free daily tour at 4.30 PM to visit the area and their cats. Rumor has it that Julius Caesar was assassinated in this area and that the cats still hold the soul of the Ancient Emperor.
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A stroll and a show
: After a short stroll through the beautiful Villa Borghese you will arrive at
Cinema dei Piccoli
;
the smallest movie theater in the world
- with all of 63 seats (Viale della Pineta 15) - and children's movies shown daily it makes for an interesting experience. Shows are in Italian/English you just need to check it out online. After these puppet shows, the perfect souvenir awaits at Bartolucci (Via de' Pastini 99, near the Pantheon), where you'll meet not one Pinocchio but hundreds, still or animated, from life- to pocket-size, all crafted by local artisans.
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Gladiator School
: If you’re looking for a memorable kid-friendly activity in Rome, Gladiator School is an event your children will never forget. The two-hour class begins with a Gladiator history lesson in the
Gruppo Storico Romano Museum
with artifacts, models, weapons, and costumes from Ancient Rome. The class takes place at Via Appia Antica 18, a 15-minute cab ride from the Colosseum. A perfect day pairs a
tour of the Colosseum
followed by Gladiator School so the context is fresh and exciting.
Kids in Venice
-
Design your own Venetian Carnevale Mask
: San Polo’s streets are the best place for you and your family to go see the most detailed and colourful masks on sale in Venice and perhaps you might even witness the ancient Venetian art of mask-making itself if the owners are creating one of their masterpieces during your visit! Better yet, why don’t you visit
Ca’Macana
on Calle delle Botteghe off Campo San Barnaba in Dorsoduro for own of their very special mask-making workshops they hold all-year round for the whole family. It offers various tools, tips and historical facts to create the perfect Venetian mask for you to treasure from your trip to Venice.
- Find your way through the garden maze
: After you have visited the main sites of Venice, give your brain a rest and visit Brenta Canal, the perfect getaway for kids. Take the bus to Stra or Mira and rent bikes to ride alongside the canal to
Villa Pisani
. The Palace may not interest the children but it’s labyrinth of gardens sure will! The maze has dozens of different routes to follow but which one leads to the tower standing in the center? Don’t worry, if someone goes missing or gets completely lost, there’s a watchman up above to guide you to the right path if needed. It’s an afternoon packed to create fun for both kids and adults together.
-
Murano Glass Making Factory :
A visit to a Murano glass factory would be a real treat for all the family. Murano Island is famous for the treasures it creates and is known worldwide for some of it’s glass works. To get to this island, you will have to get a water taxi or boat from your hotel, which the children will absolutely love! In one of the many glass factories found here, you will see first-hand how they create something that has a particular shape and then transform it into something completely different by just a small movement with a tweezers. After you see how it’s done, you can visit the shop which holds their pieces on display. Here, you truly get to see the art behind this industry. Although, you may need to bring the credit card with you if you plan to purchase one of these gems, some go for thousands of euros each!
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Workshops for children in Venice’s Museums :
Venice has a museum to suit any preference, but what about children? They may get bored or not have a particular interest in following a tour. This is why must of Venice’s museums holds workshops for children to get them interested and involved in art and history, giving them the unique experience to learn about the place they’re in and it’s history. One of the most child-orientated museums is the
Modern Art museum
in Palazzo Grassi, which regularly hold workshops for children in Venice.
-
Be Involved in Carnevale :
Once you have designed your very own mask at Ca’Macana, why not take part in the Carnevale itself? Be a part of the world’s largest and most famous masked ball event dating back to the Middle Ages (although it became famous worldwide from the 18th Century). The start date of the Carnevale varies depending on the dates of Easter, traditionally it’s 40 days beforehand. During this festival, the streets of Venice come alive with colour, music, masks and fun. A great event for any family visiting.
Kids in Naples/Amalfi Coast
-
The Naples’ Aquarium :
A fun excursion to entertain all the family. Founded back in the 1800’s by German Naturalist Anton Dohrn, this aquarium is designed to let visitors visualize the Neapolitan seas for themselves. With its beautifully architected structure and historical stories linked to it, it has been stated by the SZN institute to be the only one left of it’s kind. The tanks can hold up to a massive 69,000 litres of water and hold local sealife such as; octopus, squid, starfish, sea urchins, corals, eels, sea horse and even sea turtles both big and small. Click on the link for further information
www.napoliunplugged.com
-
Edenlandia Amusement Park :
Open all-year round, this amusement park has been a stable in Napoli’s children’s entertainment since the 60’s. If you’re children get bored of the amazing views and beaches of the Amalfi Coast and Naples, then this would be a top recommendation to get them mesmerized and quiet for a few hours!!! It has all the popular fun fair rides such as; Bumper cars (adult size also), rollercoaster, carousel, a star wars attraction, trampolines and jumping mats, water slides and even a video game centre. If all that wasn’t enough, it even has an entertainment hall which puts on regular plays and is also a 3D cinema which holds up to 800 seats. There is also a small train that takes you around the perimeter of the park. A €12 entry bracelet will let you go on most of the rides but for some, you must pay an additional price (€2 and up). Click on the link for further details.
www.thatsamalfi.com
-
Underground Naples :
If your children aren’t afraid of caves and small spaces, Napoli Sotterranea would be a great place for them to see. The caverns that lay underneath Naples’ city streets were born when the city was. The Greeks removed the stone to create the ancient city walls which can still be seen today at Piazza Bellini. It served a great purpose for the city's population during WWII when the city was bombed and people took shelter down there. Now though, it is a museum and has many small tunnels going through it. Click on the link for further details.
www.napolisotterranea.org
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The National Railway Museum of Pietrarsa :
Located East of the city centre of Naples, is the Museo Nazionale Ferroviario, a train station turned museum to mark Italy’s 150th anniversary of Italian railways. It showcases a historical collection of locomotives and trains from as far back as the early 1800’s. It’s collection holds 6 electric locomotors, 12 rolling stocks, 25 steam locomotives, passenger cars, 25 scale models of trains/carriages and railway stations, the ‘Brunetti’ and some original furniture from the waiting room of the Roma Trastevere station in 1905.
www.fsitaliane.it
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Sightseeing in Style :
If you’re visiting Capri during your stay on the Amalfi coast or Naples, why not do it in style and save your energy from walking by taking the Anacapri cable car to Mount Solara? If anyone’s afraid of heights, it may not be the best idea but it is only 20 feet from the ground and the views from the top are definitely worth it. Plus it’s free for children and only €8 for adults return!
www.amoitaly.com
Kids in Florence
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Getting your hands dirty :
Everybody enjoys Italian cuisine and what’s there not to like? Pasta, pizza, varieties of cheese, tiramisu, gelato, the list goes on. How much fun would it be for the whole family to actually learn to cook their very own Italian ‘cena’ (dinner) from scratch? It’s an amazing experience for children to learn at an early age where their food comes from and how it’s made and the joy they get out of making their own food is priceless, that’s why one of my recommendations in Florence is taking a family cookery class. Get the opportunity to go wild in the kitchen and then sit down together to thoroughly enjoy their own efforts. There are many cooking locations in the area so you can easily find one to suit the food you like the best and which you would like to cook. Talking about food.... don’t forget to check out the Mercato Centrale to see the great range of foods Florence has on offer. Let your senses go crazy with the aromas and sights of a variety of different cheeses, fruits, meat and vegetables.
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Step back in Time :
Visit the Palazzo Vecchia, the first home of the Medici family where all the family can go and visit it’s wonderfully laid out gardens and interior grandeur. Discover the Palace’s secret passageways and what clothes they used to wear in the 16th Century. In fact, the staff are said to wear the old-fashioned clothes, which I’m sure your kids will giggle at!! Your kids will see what toys children the same age used to play with back then and maybe be allowed to play with them themselves.
-
Bowling Madness :
If you fancy a few hours out of the city to relax with the kids, I would recommend Crazy Bowling. Just a short bus ride away, this bowling alley has not only an alley to knock the pins over, it also has casinos (for the adults) kids games and eateries for a full afternoon of family fun. Click on the link for further details.
http://www.bowlingfirenze.it/
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Let them go Free :
Area Pettini is an immaculately clean park just a short bus ride away from the centre of Florence. It’s a paradise for children all different ages, divided into three separate areas. One for the smaller toddlers featuring baby swings and jungle gyms. Another for the older ones, with bigger swing sets, monkey bars, slides and a grassy area and finally an area for playing football or other sports (might be for the slightly older kids). Also, every week or so, they hold puppet shows for the children so look out for when they are on.
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Avoid the traps and eat like a local
Dining
Out
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Our best suggestions in Italy's main destinations
Here at Roman Candle Tours, we know how hard it is to select the best restaurant to eat out at, there's so many to choose from! Living in Italy, we have had plenty experience in experimenting with different culinary establishments to give you the best tips on where to find the best steak, fish, pizza and pasta in town, wherever you're staying. Here's our top picks for whatever you fancy!
Dining in Florence
1) '4 Leoni'
Restaurant Type :
Trattoria
Open for :
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Important Info :
Making a reservation is highly recommended
Right in the middle of a lovely little piazza, 4 Leoni is a highly recommended visit during your stay in Florence. An authentic Italian Trattoria, favoured with the Florentine locals, offers an array of local delights. Using all fresh produce from local markets, this restaurant has been adored by many from near and far. Try their pear pasta for something a little different. Reservations are recommended due to it's popularity in the area.
Address :
Via de’ Vellutini, 1r (Piazza della Passera)
Tel :
(+39) 055218562
2) 'Borgo San Jacopo'
Restaurant Type :
Tuscan Cuisine and Wine
Open for :
Breakfast/Brunch/Dinner
Important info :
To get the balcony with the view of the river, there are only two, reservations are a-must. Away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds but still in the centre of Florence, sits Borgo San Jacopo. A restaurant with both great food and wine and spectacular views of the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio from their private balcony. A perfect romantic getaway to soak in the views and atmosphere of the city.
Address :
Borgo San Jacopo
Tel :
(+39) 055-281661
3) 'Ristorante Benedicta'
Restaurant Type :
Modern Italian
Open for :
Dinner Only
Important Info :
Reservations only.
Only a 10 minute walk from Piazza Duomo, Ristorante Benedicta is renowned for excellent food, wine and service. From the street it might not look like anything special but once you walk inside you are very pleasantly surprised. It has a wonderful garden terrace area to enjoy your meal outside but in the peace and quiet away from the busy centre. It's great value for money without stinging on the quality of the food and drink.
Address :
via Benedetta 12/r
Tel :
(+39) 0552645429
4) 'Enoteca Pinchorri'
Restaurant Type :
European, French, Italian
Open for :
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Important Info :
Reservation is a must
If you want to treat yourself during your stay in Florence, then Enoteca Pinchorri is just the place to do so. This 3 Michelin Starred restaurant is the lap of luxury in food, wine and atmosphere. It's more expensive than your average restaurant in Florence but that's because it's not average! Each item on your plate is so delicately and deliberately placed, you wont want to eat it! A definite place to go if you want to spoil yourself.
Address :
Via Ghibellina 87
Tel :
(+39) 055 242777
5) 'Restaurant Perseus'
Restaurant Type :
Italian
Open for :
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Important Info :
You might need to get a taxi to it as it's not in the centre
Food and Florence usually means one thing, a Florentine steak. Nothing beats it and Ristorante Perseus is renowned in the area for creating such a beauty. It's a bit out of town but it's worth it. They don't just serve steak, their pastas and anti-pasti are also delicious and well worth the journey.
Address :
Viale Don Minzoni 10/r
Tel :
(+39) 055-588226
Dining in Rome
1) 'Cuoco e Camica'
Restaurant Type :
Modern Italian
Open for :
Lunch/Dinner
Important Info :
Reservation needed
Looking for somewhere to eat near the Colosseum area can be a nightmare. There's so much choice but the prices charged can sometimes be too much for what you get. That's why we wanted to recommend Cuoco e Camica. Although this restaurant is only 500 meters from the Colosseum, it's prices don't reflect it. This modern Italian restaurant has a range of different dishes to suit everyone's wants, they are especially known for their great pasta dishes including their pasta Amatriciana and their pasta Gorgonzola.
Address :
Via Monte Polacco 2/4
Tel :
(+39) 06 88922987
2) 'Da Enzo'
Restaurant Type :
Classic Italian Trattoria
Open for :
Breakfast/Brunch/Dinner
Important Info :
It's quite small so a reservation is recommended to prevent a wait to be seated.
When visiting Rome, an absolute must to stop and eat and enjoy the ambiance of true Italian life is definitely the area of Trastevere. It's renowned for both locals and visitors to be the social heart of the city where you can eat amazing, authentic Italian cuisine accompanied with great wine sourced both locally and from far. Just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the heart of Trastevere but still keeping to the Trastevere atmosphere is Da Enzo. An classic Roman restaurant serving classic Cucina Romana. Located in a small, picturesque street, this sibling-run restaurant is a definite stop to get into the heart of all things Roman
Address :
Via dei Vascellari 29
Tel :
(+39) 06 5812260
3) 'Enoteca Corsi'
Restaurant Type :
Local Cuisine
Open for :
Lunch/Dinner
Important Info :
for lunch. come before 1pm to avoid crowds
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Only a 5 minute walk from the Pantheon, is a small restaurant which creates some lovely local treats that are truly Roman. All locally sourced produce produces some of Rome's most famous dishes, such as Pasta e Ceci (pasta and chickpeas), Tripe, pasta with sausage and lots more. Not only that, it hosts a huge selection of wine to choose from and all for extremely reasonable prices for what you get, ranging between €20-€30.
Address :
Via del Gesu 88
Tel :
(+39) 06 67908214
4) 'Il Portico'
Restaurant Type :
Classic Italian
Open for :
Lunch/Dinner
Important Info :
Ask for a table outside so you can see the goings-on of the Jewish Quarter
Il Portico is located in the famous Jewish Ghetto, this area is known for it's high quality and delicious food. Set in beautiful surroundings, this restaurant is definitely a place to go. They serve original Italian delights like Spaghetti Vongola (pasta with shellfish), Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper pasta) and especially their artichokes. All their pasta is hand made and it's very reasonably priced, paying around €30-€35 for your whole meal!!!
Address :
Via del Portico d'Ottavia
Tel :
(+39) 06 6864642
5) 'La Scala in Trastevere'
Restaurant Type :
Classic Italian, Fish, Meat, Truffle
Open for :
Lunch through Dinner
Address :
Piazza della Scala 58/61
Tel :
(+39) 06 5803763
This restaurant is in the heart of Trastevere with a large indoor and outdoor seat area great for people watching. Although slightly touristy, the prices are honest, the food is fresh and the service is very good. Their menu is set into 3 sections; Meat, Fish and Truffle, all of which are worth a taste.
Dining in Venice
1) 'Pizzeria Sansovino'
Restaurant Type :
Pizzeria
Open for :
Lunch/Dinner
If you're peckish but don't want to sit down and eat and waste great sight-seeing time, then try this great little Pizzeria just by St Marks square. Pizzeria Sansovino is perfect for those who want to eat great food on the go. This Pizzeria has so many flavors to choose from that it might take a while to decide which you want, from artichoke to avacado and lots more and it's only only €3 per slice, for the St. Marks area, that's great!
Address :
Calle Zaguri, San Marco 2628
Tel :
(+39) 415286141
2) 'Cocaeta'
Restaurant Type :
Creperia, ice cream
Open for
:
Time varies
Important Info :
May be a wait if there's a lot of people. Saturday and Sunday is from 7.30 pm to 11.30 pmOnly a 10 minute walk from Venice's Santa Lucia train station, stands the Cocaeta establishment. Opened only recently, this place is becoming extremely popular already with both locals and visitors. This creperia and gelato place is not only delicious but also not expensive at all, with prices ranging from €2-€10 depending on what you order. The owner Giulio works on his own so sometimes there may be a wait as he carefully and lovingly puts each crepe together for you. It's not just sweet crepe he offers, there's also a wide range of savoury options also.
Address :
Cannaregio 548
Tel :
(+39) 320 936 5487
3) 'Alle Testiere'
Restaurant Type :
Seafood
Open for :
Lunch/Dinner
Important Info :
Make a reservation to avoid disappointment
Alle Testiere is renowned for it's wide variety and amazingly fresh seafood. If you're a seafood fan, this is the place to eat. It only seats 24 so a reservation is a must unless you don't mind a wait. Located just a few minutes walks from the Rialto bridge, you will still need to look up the location on a map as it's a little hard to find but it's worth it once you get there.
Address :
Calle del Mondo Novo 5801
Tel :
(+39) 041 522 7220
4) 'Riviera'
Restaurant Type :
Modern Italian
Open for :
Lunch/Dinner
Important Info :
You may need to get a water taxi to this restaurant as it's a bit of distance from the main centre
Overlooking the Grand Canal, the Riviera restaurant is a definite recommendation from us. With beautiful surroundings, delicious food and friendly and helpful staff, no wonder! It offers a wide range of foods from pasta dishes, seafood, meat, lots of deserts and gorgeous wine which is paired to each course with the help of your waiter. Try and get a seat outside to enjoy those incredible views.
Address :
Dorsoduro 1473 Zattere - San Basilio
Tel :
(+39) 041 522 7621
5) 'Osteria Alla Ciurma'
Restaurant Type :
Tapas/ Pintos style food
Open for :
Lunch/Brunch
Important info :
It's not open for dinner, closes at 8 pmJust after the Rialto bridge is the restaurant Osteria Alla Ciurma. A lovely place which serves 'Tapas' style food at a very low cost, only €1/€2 euro per item, paired together with some delicious wine they have on offer and you have yourself a lovely afternoon of dining and wining. It's definitely worth a visit and the owner will help you chose which ones you might like the best and which wine to pair it with.
Address :
Calle Galeazza 406 - San Polo
Tel :
(+39) 3406 863561
Dining in Naples and Amalfi Coast
1) 'Antica Trasttoria e Pizzeria Da Donato' in Naples
Restaurant Type :
Trattoria and pizzeria
Open for :
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Delivery
Important Info :
Must make a dinner reservation because they get full quickly. They also close around 4.30/5 pm and re-open for dinner at 7.00/7.30 pm
When you come to Naples, you must try the Neapolitan pizza, it's like no other, due to it's thick pizza base and sauce. Da Donato restaurant would be our pizza recommendation for Naples because although there's plenty of other restaurants boasting that their pizza is the "best", we think theirs are. However, they don't just serve pizza, they also serve delicious anti-pasti or starters, fresh seafood and of course.... desert (you must try their signature desert dish Cassatta al Forne). Plus, it's only 5 minutes walk from Piazza Mancini and the main train station.
Address :
Via San Cosmo, fuori Porta Nolana 26/28
Tel :
(+39) 081 287828
2) 'Frie's' in Naples
Restaurant Type :
Take away
Open for :
All Day
Get a little taste of home with a difference during your stay. Fries is exactly what it is! Gorgeous french firs with an array of different sauces that will pleasantly surprise your taste buds, from simple cheddar to red pepper jam, they have it all! Only a few minutes from Piazza Vanvitelli, it's sure to be a welcome treat from pizza every night.
Address :
Via Scarlatti 65
Tel :
(+39) 081 5568384
3) 'Ristorante Bagni Delfino' in Sorrento
Restaurant Type :
Mostly seafood
Open for :
Lunch/Dinner
Important Info :
Must book in advance as it gets very busy
Our pick for Sorrento has to be Ristorante Bagni Delfino, a beautifully located restaurant right on the water front that supplies the freshest seafood dishes around. So much to chose from, Spaghetti Vongole, Lobster pasta, mussels, oysters, calamari and so much more. This restaurant gives you views of the whole coastline including Naples and Mt. Vesuvius while you dine. The restaurant has an outdoor decking area that sits just along the water so you can eat, drink and take in those beautiful views.
Address :
Via Marina Grande 216
Tel :
(+39) 081 8782038
4) 'Ristorante La Sponda' in Positano
Restaurant Type :
Italian
Open for :
Lunch/Dinner
Important Info :
Reservations are a must as this restaurant is very popular with visitors.
This Michelin starred restaurant is definitely a restaurant to go 'all-out' at. Although it's a little bit more pricey than restaurants in the area, the food, wine and views make you forget about that as you drift away in an evening of pure romance and enjoyment. They have a beautiful terrace area where you can eat and drink while looking over the horizon. They serve beautifully crafted dishes that will leave you speechless and their customer service is impeccable. You even get the addition of guitar and mandolin music playing in the background to really create the scene of perfection. They have a large variety of foods to suit every palette, including fresh fish, pasta, steak, vegetarian options and incredible deserts. This is one you'll never forget!!!
Address :
Via S. Sebastiano 2
Tel :
(+39) 089 875066
5) 'Trattoria Da Ciccio Cielo Mare e Terra' in Amalfi Coast
Restaurant Type :
Italian/Mediterranean Trattoria
Open for :
Lunch/Dinner
Important Info :
We recommend making a reservation and you should also locate it on the map before you leave your hotel
This family-run restaurant has everything you need for a great dining experience during your stay in the Amalfi Coast. You may not know this but getting around in this area can be difficult because all the roads are very narrow and up hill so even finding a taxi can be difficult. It has been said that the Cavaliere family actually collect you from your hotel and drive you to the restaurant, if you ask nicely they might do the same for you. Located on a cliff, this restaurant has amazing views of the sea. Their food stretches to classic Italian, seafood, vegan and mediterranean food with a great selection of wines for each course. It's not advertised as it should be and therefore it's a gem of a find in the area and a definite recommendation from us.
Address :
Via Giovanni Agustariccio 21
Tel :
(+39) 089 831265
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