Roman Pages

Roman pages and some useful tips for travelers.

Page first.

Spring! Although only on the calendar, but still, so I want to feel it. Perhaps that's why we decided to go to Rome! Found a private small hotel Navona Governo Vecchio through the site Booking.com. Judging by the map, it is located in the center near the piazza (square) Navona, in walking distance from all the main attractions of Rome, a party place. In the pictures everything looked very nice and much cheaper than in hotels that are offered by travel agencies. And do not take an advance payment (only 2 days before the date of arrival, if you have not withdrawn the reservation, take a deposit that you arrive, at the rate of accommodation per day), payment by bank card or in cash. And the transfer can be ordered if you need (which costs not more than a taxi). Very nice owners, with whom we corresponded on the Internet, answered all our questions.

Tip 1: register on Booking.com, then the choice of hotels you will have much more than if you go to the site just like that. Will be shown and hotels at a lower price, and the quality is not worse than the more expensive ones. By the way, travel agencies do not offer such hotels, because they do not receive a commission from them. Book hotels where there is a possibility of free cancellation of the reservation, on the site directly and written opposite the hotels.

Pay attention to the time of arrival. If you come to a small hotel at night, then you should definitely warn about it.

Tip 2: You can buy tickets yourself. There are air companies that offer cheap tickets (although they are usually not returnable). But you can save yourself decently J (you can use the websites www.skyscanner.ru or www.anywayanyday.com)

Tip 3: The visa is also now not a problem. Especially if there are tickets and hotel reservations. On the website of the embassy or consulate, where you will take the documents, look at the questionnaires and the list of necessary documents, do not be lazy, make copies of the work book, passports, birth certificates of children and other documents, they can come in handy, even if the photocopies are not listed . But if you want, a number of travel agencies provide services for obtaining visas, but they take decent money for it.

Arrived late at night. Quickly got the luggage.

Tip 4: Especially if you fly in transit and want to keep your suitcase intact, pack it in a film, do not regret it 10 €. And notice, if there is a padlock on your suitcase, be sure to slide it aside so that it gets under the tape.

We were already met with a sign (hotel owners ordered us a transfer) and we drove into Rome by night through some park, then by the Vatican, St. Peter's Cathedral and the Castle of Saint Angel.

Tip 5: the transfer from the airport or taxi costs from 45 to 55 € depending on the place you need to go to (but it's all about the central part of Rome, usually the price is fixed). You can take advantage of the train (from the airport to the central station, there is the Termini metro station), but this is if your hotel is located near the train station or you know how to get to the hotel).

The driver drove us out on a narrow street, showed the right door and left. We rang the bell. We opened the door and we got into such a corridor-yard, which led to the elevator and other apartments of this house. At the bottom we were met by the administrator on duty and escorted to the 4th floor by elevator. The door to the hotel is the same as to the neighboring apartments, only a small sign on it. We were given the keys from all the entrance doors and from the room and were escorted to the room.

The hotel has not deceived our expectations - everything is stylized in the old days, paintings, furniture, mirrors, even a washbasin in the toilet. At the same time, there is air conditioning, central heating, and LCD TV. Even they give disposable slippers. In the shower there is soap, shampoo, but there are no toothbrushes and pasta. Every day we were changed towels and bed linen, gave new shower caps. Breakfast is brought to the room and consists of juice, coffee or tea (unlimited), jam, butter, chocolate pastes, croissants, rolls, bread. If you want cheese and ham for breakfast, this is for a small additional fee. We bought cheese and the famous Parma ham in the store next door (you'll be slashed thin there, you'll have to choose what ham you want to buy from all that's there - that's really the problem of choice :)) and put in the refrigerator In room, as well as hair dryer, safe). Lyuba's maid was from Ukraine and has long been living in Rome, a very nice woman, of course she speaks Russian, you can ask her everything you need. Left in the room all fearlessly (and gadgets and jewelry). The staff is very caring and attentive, some kind of home comfort).

In the morning after breakfast we decided to visit the Vatican: Saint Peter's Cathedral and, of course, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. After all, from day to day the Vatican will close everything for the election of the new Pope.

We were lucky, it was the last day when the Vatican was open to tourists. Before the colonnade, we were caught by a representative of a travel agency who organized excursions in Russian. Although we are not fans of organized group tours, we decided to take part - and in vain.

Firstly, it costs 41 € (and the ticket to museums costs 16 € and 5 € audio guide, in English it is definitely there, but in Russian - I do not know). Secondly, we got a very boring guide Elizabeth. She tired everyone with her uninteresting bubble. Thirdly, the group was great, and walking in such a crowd is always inconvenient. Fourthly, the guide left us in the Sistine Chapel and did not go with us to the cathedral.

So, if you stand facing St. Peter's Cathedral, go around it on the right and move along the wall of the Vatican, it's very easy to find the entrance to the museum. There buy tickets and an audio guide. Keep in mind that if you are carrying a backpack, you will have to take it to the storage room, and to collect it back you will have to leave St. Peter's Cathedral and return again to the entrance to the museum (until 6 pm). You can, of course, order an individual excursion, it will be more expensive.

In the Vatican museums (open part of them) a lot of interesting things. And so look at the Raphael's staves and the Sistine chapel, painted by Michelangelo is definitely worth it.

Tip 6: go on an excursion to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Cathedral yourself, save at least 20 € per person.

Exit the Sistine Chapel to the stairs to the dome of St. Peter's Cathedral, through the exit to the right. Rise is paid. On the lift, you can climb to about the middle (it costs 7 €), and then still have to walk, and just climb more than 500 steps, costs 5 €. If you have heart problems, pressure, it is better not to do so. Please note, there are SOS buttons along the entire lift, if you or someone else becomes ill. Of course, the species that open from the dome are very beautiful. Have a bottle of water with you.

And the Cathedral itself is magnificent! By the way, in the cathedral itself the entrance is in order of the first order and is free. On the right is the famous sculpture "Pieta" by Michelangelo.

Tip 7: Be sure to buy a good guide to Rome. In it you will find a lot of information about the history and sights of Rome, about the artworks of the Vatican museums. Then you will not need a guide.

This did not look quite normal, but several cardinals were seen on the streets around the Cathedral (even one cardinal of an African-American - we will be politically correct). After all, they came together more than a hundred. They go with very puzzled faces - apparently the battle for the papal throne is not to be fooled.

A day for the Vatican you will need exactly. After leaving the Cathedral, we strolled along the streets near it, along the embankment, crossed the river and headed for the piazza Navona (piazza Navona). But since everywhere, wherever you walk, there are churches, squares, fountains, then time flies imperceptibly.

We sat down to have dinner at Piano Navona in a restaurant on the street (near a gas burner). Thin Fettuccini noodles with truffle sauce were just delicious plus a bottle of wine plus tomatoes, mozzarella and rucola. And it's necessary - Parma ham!

Tip 8: Take a map of the city at the hotel, they are free.

Page two and three.

And again morning. At 8 am breakfast and on the road. We took a direction to the Colosseum, through the Piazza of Venice, a grandiose monument to Victor Emmanuel II (it is open for visits not every day). Everything is amazing with its majestic dimensions. And the Colosseum, despite the earthquakes and the use of stone and marble to build their homes and palaces by local residents, could not be pulled apart. Show some imagination and imagine where the beasts were kept, gladiatorial fights and water battles took place. By the way, I did not understand how they managed to fill the arena with water for this ... The entrance ticket costs 12 €. And in the souvenir shop you can buy magnets with a view of the Coliseum in 3D format (we have not seen such anywhere else).

Then they drank a cup of coffee and went ahead to watch Rome. We visited Capitol Hill, the Roman Forum, the Plaza de España and the Trevi Fountain, the People's Square and the Pantheon, and many more. And, of course, cathedrals and churches everywhere and everywhere, and every one of them is beautiful.

And, of course, local cuisine - we enjoyed local dishes and wine :)

Page fourth.

Two days passed in a "walk" around Rome. But on the third day the weather deteriorated, it began to rain. I had to buy rubber boots and an umbrella. So in the boots we went to the Opera (and planned to dress up, even took the dresses with him for this occasion). A very amused group of German women, before the show and during the interludes, were so filled with cocktails that they were singing along with the singers, they climbed right through the backs of the first row of armchairs to replenish the stores of the laughing liquid and a couple of Chinese who bravely "fought" with sleep. We bought tickets near the Pantheon from the distributors.

Council 9: churches often host various concerts, including concerts. Classical music with a live orchestra. You can go to the opera and the theater. Concerts start at 20:30 or 21:00 and end late. All restaurants are already closed (bars are open for a maximum of 24-00). So, dine before you go to the concert.

The fifth page.

So have already bypassed all the main sights and historical places of Rome, then decided to just take a walk. And, having breakfasted, wearing boots and taking umbrellas, rushed to Victor Emmanuel II, once again bypassed the Roman forum (by the way, we bought a wonderful guidebook, in which, on translucent pages, the historical sights are drawn by what they were before, very clearly and interestingly) Went through the Circus Massimo (immediately imagined how the chariots lay bends on corners), through the cardinal's villa and the park to the main Lutheran Cathedral of Rome - outwardly one can not appreciate how big it is inside. After leaving it, we decided to go to the Colosseum and have lunch somewhere near it. Along the way, there was a restaurant where the waiters-old Italians were so gallant, the cuisine was delicious, that did not want to leave there. Lasagna, veal in lemon sauce, mozzarella with tomatoes and sparkling wine .... Just delicious.

Then went to the piazza Floria, an area near the piazza Navona. On this square the market works and could not refrain from buying a bouquet of tender pink tulips (10 pieces for 8 €). Men, take a note, here you can buy your companion the most exquisite bouquets quite inexpensively. It was warm, about 17 degrees, and decided to go to Navona to sit, watch the life of the square, drink wine. Gas burners create a comfortable atmosphere, Italian waiters are friendly, you can just sit there, enjoy the view of the square, listen to street musicians and watch people.

After spending a couple of hours, went to the church of Saint Agnese and went home. On the way from one of the churches heard funny music (like in the movies, when black couple marry), you can say - songs and dances. You would have seen the face of the padre, which was supposed to combine a couple - it was all jarred from this fun. Half of the guests were already in the church, and the other cheerfully celebrated this joyful event in a restaurant near by, including the bride and groom.

By the way, I want to note once again that a good lunch for two with a bottle of wine will cost about 70-80 €.

But on the piazza Floria (just behind the flowers), there is a bakery where you can buy pizza very cheaply. She is baked there. And, in general, if you do not want to spend money on restaurants, then you can eat cheaply for a few € in a variety of establishments (and deliciously) that you will meet while strolling along the streets. Be sure to try ice cream - it's very tasty.

In the evening, as a rule, in pubs, cafes a lot of visitors, including local residents. But a place in the Abby Pub (next to our hotel) we still found.

Here also flew one more day in Rome, this eternal and beautiful, majestic and romantic city.

Page number six.

March 8! Like in the morning there is no rain. We decided to go to Florence. We took the umbrellas and went. On the streets they sell bouquets of mimosa - it turns out that in Italy they also celebrate March 8 :)

Tip 10: in Italian Florence is written Fiorenze ("Fiorenza" - approximately so in Russian, without the letter L).

We came to the central railway station There is a schedule of Depature (departure) and you can see all the trains, the time of arrival at the stations, but it is better to ask in Information. Because The Fiorenze we needed had several additional different letter symbols, then we went looking for a rack with the letter " i ".

Tip 11: Scheduled you can find out how long it will take you to travel to the destination (by the time of departure from Rome and the time of arrival at the station). One day for Florence is quite enough if you are not a fan of museums. For example, to go to Venice you will not have enough days.

Tip 12: The information rack windows are located to the left of the ticket offices. Do not forget to take an electronic ticket. The employees speak English, if necessary - ask them to write you the name of the station, where you need it, on a piece of paper.

You can buy a ticket in the vending machine, or it is better to use the ticket office - again take the electronic speed ticket (Hide Speed train - this is on the high-speed train). On such an express train you will drive to Florence in 1.5 hours (at times it goes at a speed of 250 km / h and a little pawns ears). One way ticket to Florence costs 43 €, a little expensive L

Fiorenze Santa Maria Novella is the central station (in the Fiorenze SMN schedule). Navigation on the station is simple, everywhere the scoreboard and you easily find the right platform.

Even in the rain, Florence is beautiful. Cathedral Square "piazza del Duomo" (piazza del Duomo) with the main beautiful cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the facade of which can be viewed endlessly - you definitely will not pass by. If you want to climb the dome of the cathedral - think, especially if it's raining, then the stairs and rails become wet and sometimes slippery. You will need to overcome more than 430 steps, at the top is a rather narrow passage, where you do not separate, while the flow up and down is not divided and there are no SOS buttons, as in St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome (probably so many ambulances are on duty around the square). You will not see such a cathedral anywhere else. From the top opens a stunning view - on a sunny day it just looks like a caramel city, but even in the rain the tile-reddish-brown roofs look fun and beautiful. Nearby is a simple and graceful bell tower with marble ornaments and reliefs.

Even in cloudy weather, the old Ponte Vecchio bridge with jewelery shops across the Arno River looks very fun.

There is no point in describing the numerous museums and churches in Florence, you have to see it yourself. Sculptures of Benvenuto Cellini or Vincenzo de'Rossi, gallery of Uffizi with her masterpieces of Botticelli ... ..

Walking through the streets of the city, you will find a lot of antique shops - we just had to force ourselves not to go into them, although what was exhibited in the windows attracted to itself :)

Very disappointed by the market, which is located near the central cathedral - reminds such a Chinese flea market :) But if you want to poprikalyvatsya friends. Then you can buy them a magnet with a "causal" place of David against the background of the Italian flag.

Tip 13: All cafes have free Wi-Fi, do not hesitate and ask the waiters for the password.

Tip 14: souvenirs - magnets, pendants and corks for bottles of Murano glass, macaroni in Florence is at least 2 times cheaper than in Rome. So - to buy souvenirs for the numerous friends and colleagues you need there :)

At the railway station there is McDonald's and a snack bar where in cold weather you can warm up and a slice of pizza and coffee will cost you € 4.

Page number seven.

How quickly the week went by! Today we leave for home, but we still have a whole day ahead. The sun looked out. Up to 11 it is necessary to release the number, suitcases left at the reception. Our worries about the taxi are completely vain - after the call of the taxi administrator arrives in 3-5 minutes. See the prices above the airport.

It was necessary to buy gifts to friends, went to the market on the piazza Floria, there is a huge selection of pasta, spices, olive oil, alcoholic beverages that are sold to large farm families. I recommend buying sun dried tomatoes (the best 4 € per 100gr.). Try lemon and grappa, different liquor (pistachio is especially tasty), just be careful with the amount of "probing" J Limonchel better to buy here on the market, rather than factory. Just remember that you can carry it only in luggage, in hand luggage will not work - they will take it away. There you can buy a glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice for 4 €. At the corner in the bakery (it has been working there since 1912) you can buy the famous Italian cantucci cookies with almonds (fresh, baked here) and different pasta.

We had another 6 hours before taxi to the airport. We took a walk, bought a wonderful pasta with a bow in the bright colors of the Italian flag (such we could not see anywhere else, at 5 € per pack), grappa, limonchella and spices, sat in an open-air restaurant, took a paste and listened to a local singer with an accordion that All the time was applied to a bottle of chianti. And again went for a walk, a couple of hours again sat in a restaurant on the street, ordered a bottle Proseco (by the way, this sparkling wine in restaurants costs from 20 to 40 €).

Arriving at the airport, checked in for the flight. If you want a snack, then at the airport there is a wonderful mozzarella bar (there are all the dishes with mozzarella).

Well, here we are on the plane. We fly to Frankfurt, and then home. We will definitely return here, in this eternal majestic and romantic city of ROME.