Italy Hotels

Here are links to the hotels we're staying out during our two weeks in Italy.

http://hotelpendini.hotelinfirenze.com/ - Florence

http://www.hotelpuntamesco.it/english/hotel.html - Cinque Terra

http://www.hotelnavona.com/ - Rome

http://www.anticofiore.com/ - Venice

Hotels will be very different than anything you've stayed at in the US or Canada.  Every one is completely different since most are not chains, but family run establishments.  Each room inside the hotel will most likely be decorated differently and many having different themes.

The rooms will be very small with even smaller bathrooms.  Very commonly the sink and mirror will be in the main sleeping area and shower and toilet located in a separate adjoining room.

Walk, hike, jaunt, march, pace, parade, promenade, ramble, saunter, schlepp, step, stretch, stride, stroll, tour, traipse, tramp, tread or CLIMB.

We can't stress enough the amount of walking you will be doing on a daily basis, and Eloise was correct that an average day consists of seven miles.  Us lazy Americans walk mostly from our door to car and back so it's a good idea to start walking as much as possible to ensure you get to see as much of the Italian cities during your trip.

My wife Krystin and I were being stubborn and wouldn't take the metro in Paris and ended up walking 26 miles around the city one day.  It's safe to say we slept very well that night.

And we shouldn't forget to also mention the strenuous climbs you might encounter up to your room with luggage.  (notice those extra comfortable walking shoes)

The picture below is of the hike you'll be doing in Cinque Terra...

DATES TO REMEMBER....

Please remember the following important dates:

*Receipt of passport order due by Wednesday, November 30.
(Passports take 4-6 weeks to process and return.  If you do not have your birth certificate, it will take 4 weeks + passport order time.)
Passport - $135
Birth certificate - $25
Passport photos - $10 (CVS, Rite-Aid, Fed-Ex Office)

*First payment due January 20, 2012 - $1,000

*Final payment due March 1, 2012 - $1,700

Christmas List:
Camera
Travel books on Italy
Suitcase or backpack
Walking shoes and socks
Toiletry bag
EUROs