Italy 2012 Guidebook
Guidebook corrections:
Please note: The following corrections were submitted by readers and have not yet been confirmed by Rick. Check updates from Rick for the latest.
In the 2012 Italy guidebook, the map showing Florence restaurant locations has ZaZa's and Mario's shown in the wrong location.
Barbara skinner in Louisville, KY USA 02/05/2012
I have been using Italy 2012 to organise a trip in April/May. However, I have received no responses to my email enquiries from Don Orione Religious Guest House or Casa di Santa Brigida. Has there been a change in their contact details since publication?
Terry Clarke Australia 01/30/2012
The Roma Pass is now 30 euros. Still a great deal!
Mary Lou Beaulieu in Swanton, Vt USA 01/24/2012
Suggestion Italy 2011 Page 135 Venice Cruise Ship Terminal- The book says San Basilio Vaporetto stop is closest to the ships. It is closest to some but we found that P. Le Roma stop was the better stop for most of the ten cruise ships in port on that Saturday in October 2011. The People Mover was fast, efficient and cheap and then a ten minute walk to one of the more distant ships. Otherwise, we found the book to be accurate and detailed - Excellent! Thanks.
Lowan Morrison in Vancouver , BC Canada 01/03/2012
Osteria la Congrega restaurant in Florence has disappeared. We found the address, and there is no restaurant there. We called the phone number and no one answered.
Steve in San Jose, CA USA 01/01/2012
hotel vecchia in milano no longer offers free wifi with rick steves book
steven in los angeles, CA USA 12/31/2011
Regarding this statement from your 2012 corrections section " Sorrento and Capri Sorrento Davide Gelato's correct name is Gelataria David. They've moved to a location near the train station, at Via Marziale 9, where they offer gelato-making demonstrations for individuals and groups." Davide & David are separate businesses in different locations. I enjoyed both on our visit 2 years ago. David was then near the train station. Davide, if I remember correctly, is in a narrow street off of the center of Sorrrento.
Michael in Undisclosed, OR USA 11/12/2011
Page 783: I know that this is picky, but there have not been 265 official popes. Benedict XVI is indeed #265 on the list, but one man, Benedict IX, is on the list three times. However, I am pretty certain that there are more than 265 portraits in St. Paul's. I only spent a few minutes there, and I discovered mosaics of two fictitious popes -- Donus II and Cletus/Anacletus -- as well as one antipope, the first Pope John XXIII. Also, the portrait of the Stephen who was only pope for three days and who was removed from the list is still there. I suspect that there are at least a couple more.
Mike Wavada in Enfield, CT USA 11/01/2011
In spite of reading the Taxi section before arriving in Rome, we were scammed. We used the taxi stand indicated on the RS map where I assumed only authorized cabs would be lined up. Unfortunately, while the cab had the correct exterior markings, it did not have a meter and we were already on our way (party of 5) before we found this out. A 7 euro ride to Trastevere became 33 euros! It was the last taxi ride we took in Rome.
Pat in Middletown, DE USA 10/31/2011
Italy 2011 Cortona page 648 - Casa Kita is now 65 euro for double (could be that Osvaldo gave us a bigger room?) but includes a simple but fun continental breakfast. WiFi available, though it can be spotty.
Italy 2011 Cortona page 640 - The TI is no longer on Via Nazionale. It has moved to Casali Palace, behind the Estruscan Museum. Just walk past the museum entrance and through the courtyard, up a staircase into a small room. 2 very helpful ladies.
Italy 2011 Cortona page 645 - Combo ticket for Etruscan and Diocesan Museum is now 13 euro. Entry for each is 10 euro.
Italy 2011 Cortona page 640 - The tabacchi at Camuchia station seemed to be permanently closed. The bus fare from Cortona to Camuchia is now 1.20 euro. We were not charged for bus from Camuchia to Cortona. Bus ticket back to Camuchia can be purchased at the tabacchi half way down the hill from Piazza Garibaldi.
Italy 2011 Cortona page 649 - Ristorante La Bucaccia now requires reservations, thanks to all the RS readers dining there! :-)
Italy 2011 Rome page 797 - Gulliver's Lodge (we were in the midst of the Indignato march on 10/15!) also offers free pastry and coffee at the Pinocchio Cafe down the street (Mary will provide vouchers.)
Italy 2011 Firenze page 472 - For the life of us, we could not find Osteria la Congrega. We walked up and down Via Panicale but could not find it.
Italy 2011 Firenze page 460 - Internet access at Hotel Enza is spotty especially if you're assigned a room at the end of the hallway. Stronger signals closer to the lobby.
Italy 2011 Cinque Terre page 318 - Cinque Terre cards cost 7 euro on Sundays (their holy days.)
Italy 2011 Vernazza page 363 - Il Pirata dell Cinque Terre - We have never seen such hard working group as Massimo, Gianluca and their staff! They are worker bees with smiles on their faces and Massimo's quips make you blow out your cafe latte.
Kay Ishii in Renton, WA USA 10/30/2011
Yes, Hotel La Spiaggia
Lee Bruning in Hayward, CA USA 10/10/2011
on page 71 of the Snapshot Naples & Amalfi Coast under From Sorrento to Other Points: Naples the web site is www.metrodlemare.net (not .com)
Nancy in Scotch Plains, NJ USA 10/06/2011
Italy 2011 Orvieto: Agriturismo Locanda Rosati is owned by Giampiero Rosanti. The Cristina mentioned in the book is his Niece and her name is spelled Cristinia. Their dinner prices have been raised to 37.50€. - well worth it! Enoteca Tozzi has been sold and is now called Enoteca al Duomo and is owned by Emiliano Micheli. Piazza del Duomo, 13 05018 Orvieto. 0763344607 www.enotecaduomo.com. Very good food and service. Very energetic new owner
Jodi Sanders in Sun Valley, ID USA 10/06/2011
The elevator from the train station to the top of the town in Riomaggiore is no longer operating, according to Locando del Sole operator Enrico. It has been out of service since Aug 2010. The bus will take u thru town to the top, or u can climb up.
Kathryn in Safety Harbor, FL USA 10/02/2011
Pisa, Italy. Ristorante Bagus: After turning onto Via Nunziata, take the 3rd (instead of 1st) right turn and go to end of street. Also, other restaurants turning the other way onto Via Nunziata worth trying.
Pete in Cincinnati, OH USA 10/02/2011
The pronunciation of Civita --It is not chee VEE ta; it is CHEE vee ta. At least that is how the locals say it.
Mo in Belleuve, WA USA 10/02/2011
Train prices seem to have gone up slightly, but I assume that has to do with seasons, strikes, etc...
Kelly Moffa in Irvine, CA USA 10/01/2011
Snapshot Hill Towns of Central Italy 2009. Orvieto 1. pg 67: At the top of the funicular , in the park to the left with the ruined fortress-- WCs no longer appeared to be available--doors boarded up. 2. pg. 72 Admission to Duomo no longer free. Charging 2-3 Euro, but including Chapel of San Brizio for all entrances.
Cynthia Thomson in Tucson, AZ USA 09/15/2011
Not a correction - just something to be aware of - the bank machines in Cinque Terre do not accept Canadian bank cards. Luckily our hotel agreed to take credit card so we had enough cash for the 4 days we were there, but it could have been a disaster. We spoke to 5 or 6 other Canadians who were having the same problem and we tried at least 4 machines....
Karen in Toronto, ON Canada 09/08/2011
Hotel Florence- Bellagio had the best air conditioner we had the whole trip! It was so modern and our room was nice and cool!! We also stayed at a bigger hotel in Florence and it was in a great location, friendly staff, air conditioned and the bathroom was updated and modern. Hotel Berchielli Lungarno Acciaiuoli 14, Tornabuoni, 50123
Liza in Syracuse, NY USA 09/05/2011
In your book, you suggest parking at the free lot in La Spezia, Italy instead of driving into Cinque Terra. Your map showing the location of the parking is wrong! The parking lot is not where is is marked on your map. In fact, your map does not even cover the area where the parking lot is. You should correct the map and list the street where the parking lot is located as well as the cross streets. It took us a long time in the 90 degree heat to find that lot. Please correct the map for other travelers.
Bob in Sudbury, MA USA 08/30/2011
At Trattoria Anita, the lunches were 9€ and 13€. Thursday's the day they make lasagna and it alone is worth the 9€.
K in Rizzo, Va USA 08/23/2011
Italy 2011 page 335 Mar Mar/Il Grifone Rooms - Found out that this establishment will not let you check in after 5pm. Arrival time of our train from Switzerland will be after 7pm so we asked if we can check in then. We were told their check-in rules stipulate checking in at 5pm or earlier, not later.
Kay Ishii in Renton, WA USA 08/13/2011
I do not think Tratttoria Milanese in Milan is there anymore. We spent a good time looking for it and never found it. The tour of the Vatican Gardens was superb. I would defintiely recommend a tour guide for the section of the VaticanMuseum that one would like to see the most, otherwise it is overwhelming.
John and Elyse O'Kane in Stone Mountain, GA USA 07/24/2011
Cortona-the bus from train station to town does not run on Sundays! When taking the bus from town to station, know that the drop off is a 200 yd walk from station and be sure to alert driver that you are wanting the station, as the stop is easily missed, with no signs and no visible station!
Orvieto--hotel posta is great, but beware the large clock tower verrry close by, which rings every quarter hour--until verylate--at 12:30 am it was still going...even with ear plugs, this was a challenge
Toey in Houston, Tx USA 07/22/2011
I found Laura at the Hotel Olivedo in Varenna to be very polite, professional, and hospitable. She does not exhude the warm and fuzzies, that is not her personality, but I found her a nice host and it was a good place to stay. She works very hard, and manages to communicate with all her guests in their native language. I was impressed.
Tracy in Oxford, CT USA 07/17/2011
The fixed rate for the Roma taxi to and from Fiumicino airport is 40 euros and not 45 like the book states.
D Mitchell in Elk Grove, CA USA 07/12/2011
NOT REALLY. I ONLY WANT TO STRESS HOW IMPORTANT THE DIRECTIONS ARE TO ESPECIALLY US "SINGLE" TRAVELERS. ON THE WHOLE, THEY WERE VERY ACCURATE E.G. FINDING LODGING, SIGHTS ETC.
SANDI KELLY in SARASOTA, FL USA 07/10/2011
The excellent pizza restaurant popular with locals just beyond the main piazza in Orvieto has changed owners and names! Although the name in the 2011 Italy Guidebook remains on the small directional signs on the piazza, the new name is Charlie's or something similar. The locals were helpful in trying to explain this change and very complimentary of the cuisine, and they were correct! Thought you'd like to know for future updates to the guidebook.
Reverend Brooks Keith in Edwards, CO USA 07/02/2011
P 342. It's Aria di Mare, not Ariadmare Rooms.
Lynette Taylor in Brooksville, FL USA 06/24/2011
Your placement of the Residenza Giotto on the map in Florence is incorrect -- it is one building closer to the duomo than your current map shows. Also, it would be more accurate to list it under "close to the duomo", since the front door is about 20 steps from the duomo piazza.
Cheryl in Westminster, CO USA 06/07/2011
Yes - 1. The train terminal in Rome has very little information for a newbie to get around. Put a north arrow on your map and explian this terminal in greater detail on how to get around from where the train from the airport arrives, etc.
Update (and warn) about rising prices!
Larry Linemann in Lexington, SC USA 06/01/2011
On page 889 of the Italy 2011 guidebook, Davide Gelato is recommended in Sorrento. Yet our Southern Italy tour group went to David Gelateria for a gelato-making demonstration and free samples. I talked with the owner, Mario and he wondered if the two gelaterias were being confused. Mario makes his gelato fresh everyday and has been having RS tour groups come into his store for several years. He wondered why his gelateria was not recommended in the Italy guidebook. His gelato is a real work of art and the demonstration of its making was so interesting. I think he should be included in the next Italy guide.
Teresa Curran in Louisville, KY USA 05/31/2011
Addition, not correction. Agritursimo Pietra Rosa Via Monte Polo 11-61029 Urbino tel/fax +30 0722 53537 - mobile 389 058 7138
Mary Weisse in Rapid River, MI USA 05/28/2011
Verona - Tourist Information near the train station is closed. Only one is in Piazza Bra and is very difficult to find!
Pisa - Bus to Lucca is 3.50 Euros if you buy on the bus. Cheaper if you buy off the bus, but I don't know where they sell those tickets!
Carol in Atlanta, GA USA 05/27/2011
In the Verona section (and perhaps elsewhere), you mention in the discussion of the Duomo that Herod's slaughter of the innocents was when he commanded that all firstborn sons be killed. You're confusing that with the Exodus account of the firstborn sons being killed. Herod had just found out from the Wise Men that the new king had recently been born, so he ordered all boys under the age of two to be killed, whether firstborn or not. It's an easy mistake to make, but also easily corrected.
Michael in Seattle, WA USA 05/25/2011
Orvieto - Contrary to what the Italy book says, the La Rupe trail is NOT "fairly level and easy to follow." It's not well-marked in many places and it's way too easy to miss the turn off to get to the escalator. It's only partially paved, with long sections either dirt or gravel and some inclines in the path are so severe that I felt in danger of slipping more than a few times. We had to inch our way up or down one foot length at a time for sections as long as 30-40 feet.
Michael in Seattle, WA USA 05/23/2011
The Hotel Vecchia Milano in Milan said they had a new manager and would no longer give free Wi-Fi to Rick Steves' readers. After I said I would e-mail Rick, they relented but only because I was staying just one night.
Doug in Leopard, Tx USA 05/22/2011
Orvieto..The walk outside the walls is very poorly marked. There was no signs to the elevator and it was difficult to fine. Really hard to find the correct trail
Art Crawford in Eagle, Id USA 05/18/2011
Orvieto - Casa Selita is no longer honoring the 70 Euro RS published rate. Selita indicated in writing to us that in spite of what was published by Rick, she has had to raise her rates to 75 E per night.
Joe Kim in Pittsburgh, PA USA 05/15/2011
Page 886: The address for Hostel La Sirene is actually Via deli Aranci 156 not 160. Evidently until just last year you had to enter thru the café that is at 160 to get to the Hostel... not any more.
Mitch McCann in Killeen, TX USA 05/09/2011
I would like you to add a note please. Parking in La spezia, if you are driving from another city, is very challenging and expensive. We spent an hour trying to find a parking place and then had to spend 20 minutes looking for change to feed the meter. It would be useful for people to know that.
Nena Montgomery in Redwood City, CA USA 04/27/2011
Not all the walkable destinations were walkable if there was a issue with walking. And No recommendations for handicapped. On any of the walkable times listed allow an extra 15 to 30 minutes unless you have been there before and know where you are going.
Everett Kincer in San Mateo, CA USA 04/18/2011
When calling to make reservations for Uffizi and Accademia museums, I was given a 5 digit number confirmation and not a 6 digit number. A few others on the helpline said they also got 5 digit numbers.
Emily in Charlotte, NC USA 03/25/2011
The Kindle version of the 2011 Italy guidebook was not complete! When I compared the Sleeping in Rome section with the paper version of the guidebook, the kindle version had very few! One other recommendation: When Frommer's sells you a Kindle version of their guidebooks (at least the Asian ones, since you don't do Asia...), they give you a website where kindle users can print out the maps and walking tours. That would be so cool, if you would do it, too!
Rachel Cohen in Austin , TX USA 03/20/2011
How could you not include Sicily in a guidebook named Italy? Very disappointing
Robert in Miami, Fl USA 03/12/2011
Orvieto - Hotel Corso does not honor the Rick Steves published rate for a single (euro 70). They say the Rick Steves discounted rate is euro 86 without breakfast.
Robert Violette in Bordentown, NJ USA 03/01/2011
The trenitalia website does accept US credit cards. I was able to use both my Visa and Mastercard to purchase tickets. By buying ahead I was able to save 30% in one case and 15% in another.
Marisa in Grayslake, IL USA 12/10/2010
Sorrento -- I recommend dropping Trattoria da Emilia from the suggested restaurant list. I ordered gnocchi della Nonna Emilia, which seemed like a no-brainer, but the gnocchi were hard, cold, and insipid. The rest of our group fared slightly better, but not much.
Also in Sorrento -- the railing next to the gorge near Piazza Tasso isn't green any more, but the gorge is hard to miss.
Diana Oertel in San Francisco, CA USA 11/12/2010
The cathedral in Orvieto is no longer free and it closes over the lunch hour in November.
Joan Ofteness in Bellingham, WA USA 11/12/2010
T1 in Rome airport very hard to find and they were not very much help.
Kathleen Kulstad in St Paul, MN USA 11/05/2010
T1 in Rome airport very hard to find and they were not very much help.
Kathleen Kulstad in St Paul, MN USA 11/05/2010
The laurentian Library is more than worthwhile. It is tremendous, with examples of ancient texts as well as Michelangelo's designs. We cancelled train tickets and moved them to a later time in order to spend more time in the library.
Suzanne Walters in Denver, CO USA 10/25/2010
Albergo IL Genio in Portovere Italy. PatrickDShannon@gmail.com Telephone 301-209-0016.
Patrick D. Shannon in Hyattsville, MD USA 10/21/2010
Rick Steves’ Italy 2010 Feedback We are rather seasoned European travelers having been there over 20 times – never using a packaged tour. In recent years we have relied heavily on your books for our planning. Here is some feedback on your 2010 Italy book – some that you requested in the book, and some we think important. Some of the items are probably more a commentary on Italian culture than anything else. Our trip was the loop of Milan – Firenze – Assisi – Siena – Vernazza – Milan in 10 days. Only the first section is a negative – the balance are positive comments and suggestions. John and Rita MacBain
The Bus from Assisi to Siena – Frustration, Frustration, and Failure • Summary: There is only one bus a day each way, not two. The deviation is a 2nd bus to Assisi on Friday and a 2nd bus to Siena on Sunday. The bus is not at 10:45, but 10:20. It also is not a Sena Bus by label or markings. The ticket agency in Assisi was not helpful. And, ultimately we never got on the bus even though we tried. At a minimum, your 2011 book needs some warnings. • Wednesday, Oct 6 we visited Agenzia Viaggi Mavitur in Assisi to buy a ticket to Siena. The staff did not show up for work that day since the Feast of St. Francis had just ended, and the owner did not know how to issue a bus ticket. • Thursday, Oct 7 we returned to Agenzia Biaggi Mavitur (with the requisite climb back up the mountain after the visit) to obtain tickets. The lady was on the phone for 15 minutes, and only at the end did we hear our names mentioned. The fare is now 12 Euros each. I include our unused bus tickets to verify this as well as some other items. We asked where to catch the bus, and she showed us on a map where the Sena Bus Fermata sign is at Santa Maria degli Angeli. She said over and over “Sena Bus”. We even went down to the new town and toured the Santa Maria degli Angeli to make sure we had everything correct. • Friday, Oct. 8 we went to the bus stop at 9:45. The tickets said 10:20 (in contrast to your book and the TI which both say 10:45). At 10:20 a Baltour Tours bus arrived, and the gentleman who got off had on a shirt saying Baltour Tours. I approached him with our tickets and he waved me away – more interested in his cell phone and clearly it was not a Sena Bus. • We stayed at the bus stop until 11:10. No Sena Bus. • We pulled our suitcases to the Stazione. The ticket windows were marked as not open on October 3 ,5, 7, and 8. The automatic ticket machines were not functioning either. We bought a ticket from the newsstand fellow who got us started on our freelance adventure. We changed trains in Tarantola and Chiusi, getting to Siena at about 6 PM. • At the Siena Stazione, I saw and entered the Sena Bus office to get a refund which was refused. Only then did I see letterhead including Baltour Tours and other names along with Sena Bus. • If you have any leverage, we sure would appreciate a refund for our 24 Euros. Agenzia Biaggi Mavitur certainly gave bad information, and the Baltour Tours man from the bus certainly blew us off even with my Sena Bus tickets in hand. At a minimum, a negative warning would be appropriate in your 2011 book.
Assisi Comments • Hotel Belvedere – exactly as you recommended and we would return. • Trattoria da Erminio – best food of the trip! I would have eaten there the 2nd night, but they are closed Thursdays as you indicated.
Florence Comments • Our room at Residenza dei Pucci was much as described but I suspect we would not return. It took 15 minutes for us to enter the hotel as no one was at the desk for 15 minutes to answer the buzzer (early afternoon). And, some Americans were having great difficulties our 2nd day when they wanted to pay at 9 AM (when the office is to be open) and they had a 10 AM train (the office opened at 9:20 that day). Breakfast is said to be at 8:30, but it was at 9:00 one day. Siena Comments • We stayed at the Pensione Palazzo Ravizza, and the room was excellent. • Osteria Nonna Gina was excellent. Their tiramisu was to die for – tasted much more like a crème brulee than a tiramisu. I am going to write them for the recipe. Their house pasta specialties are unbelievably good. • You indicate the taxi is 8 Euros from Hotel Duomo to the Stazione. Our hotel was nearby. For my wife and I and 2 suitcases, the meter started at 7.8 Euros. After a fun kamikaze ride through the streets of the old town and Il Campo early on Sunday morning, the meter was 12.5 Euros at the Stazione and then he bumped it up to 13.5 Euros. • We took your suggestion of using bus #3 to get to our hotel (actually you mention it for Hotel Duomo). It might be worth mentioning that this bus ride is extremely long, and the walk to the hotel is straight up the mountain with suitcases in hand. • The side trip via bus to San Gimignano was worth the effort. Perhaps you could mention this is really a local bus and not a tour bus, as one begins to wonder if one is ever going to get to San Gimignano which really is not very far away from Siena.
Vernazza Comments • We stayed in Pension Sorriso which was fine. When we indicated we were paying in advance since we would leave very early in the morning, a take-away breakfast appeared in our room and it was excellent. Your book asked for pricing feedback – we paid 110 Euros for a Db. • It was curious the Pension Sorisso used a bidet faucet on the sink in Room 11 – heaven help the guest if it is not aimed downward! • We saw the money machine near the Blue Marlin bar in Vernazza eat an American’s card. When they complained to the shop keeper, they learned it had done that to 5 families that morning. Do you think she would put a sign on the machine????? Perhaps this machine should be on your warning list like another in Cinque Terre was.
Internet Comments – perhaps more an Italian infrastructure commentary • Duomo Café in Assisi – broken • Blue Marlin in Vernazza – broken • Siena – Internet Train does not seem to exist at the address given which was Via di Citta 121. If you go to the Internet Train web site, Siena is no longer in the list of cities. • There is a very nice craft shop halfway up Via San Rufino in Assisi that does have free internet. The shop keeper was delightful and the wares were good quality with good prices. Perhaps this would be worthy of a positive mention in your book. (This is downhill from Café Duomo roughly halfway to the main plaza in Assisi – see the map in your book.)
A Couple of General Interest Questions – especially #1 is of interest if you have an answer 1. Why is Coke so expensive across Europe relative to beer, coffee, and wine? Is there a special tax? 2. Are toilet seats a high theft item in Italy? We encountered several WC’s where some toilets had toilet seats and others did not. Other WC’s had none including the Duomo Museo in Siena. 3. Why are train WCs in Italy uniformly disgusting and revolting? And why are the Stazione WC’s even worse?
John MacBain in Carmel, IN USA 10/17/2010
YES, I need to let you know that regarding Vernazza accomodations you need to remove your recommendation for Egi Rooms. Egi Verduschi was selling rooms at the train station, what the sign warns tourists to be weary of, that was our first clue about his poor character.
We booked our room ahead of time by email from your recommendation in the guide book, we even referenced your listing (from 2010) "3 good, clean, colorful rooms right in the center of the main drag". What he proceeded to show us to was something else entirely. Turns out he now has 8 rooms and will soon have more he says. At a different location he showed us to our quad room which was actually a triple that he had to have a bed brought up to make it a quad. With the 4 beds you could not move in there. The room was not good or colorful. The bathroom was ridiculous...seemed to be half done with exposed rock and the shower was directly over the toilet with no curtain or separation...makes for efficient bathing don't you think? The window was right over a restaurant (felt sorry for any unsuspecting diners).
We questioned him on the fact that this was not a "quad room" and was not what was represented in your book. He got all hot under the collar and said this is what he had available, even though the other was what we booked. Seemed like a bait and switch to us.
After much debate because we were not happy with our room, we were able to switch to the room listed in the book for the next 3 nights of our stay. All in all Egi was very difficult to deal with, very shaddy character that I don't trust and I would not recommend anyone I know to stay at any of his places.
I would be happy to share pictures of this unacceptable room that he insisted on charging the same price for...a total scam! Let me know how to send you the pics.
lorraine in san carlos, CA USA 10/15/2010
Contrary to what it said in the guidebook, I was able to purchase a ticket on the trenitalia website using my American credit card (Visa). I did have to register for the site first and then log-in.
Davy Gam in New Hyde Park , NY USA 10/15/2010
There are no longer two buses per day from Sienna to Assisi. Only the afternoon bus runs now (~15:30) and it stops at S. Maria degli Angeli. There's an extra bus at 13:20 or so on Friday afternoon, but I'm not sure how reliable it is as it was 2 hrs late when we took it. (This involves waiting at a poorly marked stop outside the train station with no seating at all.) I believe the same is true in reverse -- there is only a morning bus from Assisi to Sienna.
James in Los Angeles, CA USA 10/13/2010
Hello! In your guidebook you recommended Osteria Tumelin in Levanto. My husband and I went there this past July and we both got horrible food poisoning from this restaurant. We ordered, amongst other thing, the "fresh fish" which we later saw just sits on the counter without ice for the entire evening (and who knows how long beforehand.) This may be fine for some who have become accustom to the bacteria that accumulates without properly refrigerating food, but most Americans it is not. $200 later we had a sub par meal and food poisoning to boot. I would recommend taking this restaurant off your recommendations for Levanto.
Caroline Wall Laguna Beach CA carolinewethington@hotmail.com
Caroline in Laguna Beach, CA USA 10/08/2010
The hike described as "easy" 8 hour hike around Sasso Lungo in Alpe di Siusi is not easy. I would recommend it for experienced hikers, as it can involve walking close to the massif over areas that can be waterfalls in the spring (with easily dislodged rocks on significant ledges) and the downhill section after the "cable car" ride is down a rubble field for a long time. You have to be careful!
My husband and I have hiked all over the world. This was a wonderful hike, just not easy. Thank you for recommending it.
Jill Ellis in Del Mar, CA USA 10/04/2010
Rome- The Mamertime Prison (St. Peter in chains) is now 10 euro per person and includes a bus ride and audioguide. You cannot just go into the church and see it anymore. I found this ridiculous and so did every other person there. Hopefully it will change.
Cinque Terre- Vernazza- my husband and I traveled there around 9/15 and took the advice from Rick Steeve's just to find a place while we were there. It was completely booked. We had to go to Monterosso and there were only 2 places left. It's popular; book ahead!
Andrea Kidd in Highlands Ranch, CO USA 09/28/2010
I felt that the description of the Jewish Museum in Venice's former Jewish ghetto was rather negative. We had a wonderful experience there - the museum is larger than described in the book, and the extra tour of hidden area synagogues was one of the highlights of our entire trip.
Heather Cole in Cambridge, MA USA 09/28/2010
Hotel 939 in Rome uses Hotel Markus on the buzzer and door, this should be noted in the listing. They also wanted to see a printed version of the booking when we arrived. My electronic version was not acceptable.
Steve Madsen in Newcastle, Australia 09/26/2010
Can you please add to Siena Alma Domus hotel description that 2 or more nights are required? Using your recommendation to stay there, I contacted them yesterday - requesting one night on April 2, 2011. Valentina replied, "we accept reservation only for more than one night in the requested period."
kristi in folsom, ca USA 09/23/2010
Assisi The Mojano parking lot does not have an escalator which was unfortunate to discover after parking the car.
Hotel Umbra was really nice with a friendly staff. You can drop your bags off right outside the hotel door which the guidebook doesn't mention and there is no easy way to get to the town square (see above)
Lori Meyer USA 09/21/2010
Garbagnati restaurant in Milan is closed.
Terry in Portland, OR USA 09/20/2010
Your chart/map for the various entry doors (1,2 & 3) at the Uffizi does not correspond to the way those doors are actually numbered at the Uffizi.
Steve in Chicago, IL USA 08/30/2010
Outside the Vatican shorts are okay to wear in Italy, I saw them everywhere. Many of the admission prices were different, sometimes significantly (Castel Sant'Angelo, some of the hand drawn "walks" were hard to follow due to lackluster signage in the different places (Padua the worst in my experience) was 8.50 and not 5 as mentioned. Possibly worst of all was how many things were closed to the public for different reasons such as gates of paradise in the duomo museum and Raphael's chapal in Santa Maria del Popolo.
Matt Campbell in Kansas City, KS USA 08/24/2010
If you want to rent an audio guide at the Vatican, you must provide a passport (not a driver's license). We had a sixth sense about that and had our passports with us, one of the few times we didn't leave them behind in our hotel safe.
Keren in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI USA 08/19/2010
I could never get trenitalia's website to work. Total pain and pretty much not worth it.
If you're staying up on Via Veneto in rome, pick up your Roma Pass at Leon's Bar (open until 10:00). It's worth it in Rome to ask your concierge/hotelier where to pick up the Roma pass. It's definitely not universally sold and it was such a time and money saver. You really want to pick it up the first morning you're in Rome for sightseeing and metro..
Also, you might want to mention that the circumvesuviana is not air conditioned. It wasn't awful, but it just helps to be aware.
In Venice, the vaporetto ticket validators rarely worked, and rarely did any staff check tickets, but I kept it in my pocket in case. It's a very laissez faire attitude though on the vaporettos, and not punitive in the least.
Finally, we just blew off Positano/Sorrento (we weren't into it) and did spend two nights in Naples so we could "do" Pompeii. And we lived through it. The Majestic was a nice hotel with helpful staff and an easy walk to the Amadeo metro stop and close to the PAN. The restaurant Umberto's was close by and it was yummy. (Note that this area of Naples is completely closed down until evening on Sunday, so you have to get your food needs nailed down...) The Amadeo coke machine was the source for the cheapest diet cokes in all of Italy.
Pompeii was great and the restaurant was fully open.
New hotel in Milan in weird neighborhood near the monumentale cemetery was the AC Milano. Hip minimalist room design and great breakfast made it worthwhile. It took all of our navigation skills to figure out how to get back and forth to the metro stop from there, but we did it!
Keren in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI USA 08/19/2010
Italy 2010 Page 452: Florence. Hotel Maxim. Great location, but a bit run-down. Free Internet access is via a very old Windows PC. WiFi is now a paid service - and expensive (for us iPhone & iPad users). Page 603: Montalcino. Hotel Dei Capitani. WiFi access is free, but only works in some locations and is very slow (approx 400kB/sec download).
Steve in Pleasanton, CA USA 08/08/2010
Yes! In Sorrento while taking the bus to Via Capo you mentioned that the stop for the Via Capo hotels was near the Hotel Bel Air. Correction : It's at the Hotel Bristol. If you do not exit here you will end up taking the bus to Massa, as there are no sidewalks to exit safely and walk back down to the hotels. We ended up taking this long winding bus into the town of Massa and catching a 40 euro cab ride back down the hill to Via Capo.
Diann Danska in Benicia, CA USA 08/04/2010
In Italy 2010, when calling to make reservations to see The Last Supper, the phone # listed was disconnected. After doing a web search I found to call from the USA, the current # 011-39-92800360. CALLING for reservations was a snap! I did the same for the Borghese Gallery in Rome.
Jane Painter in Anna, IL USA 07/28/2010
The walkaround (RUPE) at Orvieto is not as described. Less than 25% of the walk is level or paved. When we walked the RUPE in May, there was little signage to guide us once you get off the paved portion. There were several dead ends, overgrown paths and during our arduous 1.5 hour trek we met no other walkers. The RUPE path from the new stairs to the main gate is fantastic and an easy walk, but the remainder is an arduous difficult trek... someone from RS needs to update the guidebook.
Bryan horton in Ottawa, ON Canada 07/08/2010
The Settimo Cielo does not have steps down to the beach.
Carrie Klein in Oakland, CA USA 07/07/2010
In the 2010 Edition of the Italy Guide two of the recommended restaurants near the Vatican are closed for renovations as of 5 July 2010: Perilli in Prati and La Isola della Pizza. After checking out those we went to Hostaria dei Bastioni and had a good lunch--prices have increased €1-2 per primi / secondi.
Kristin Peri in Portland, OR USA 07/06/2010
Naples Italy. As was featured in your TV show as well as your book, I thought you would like to know that the memorial to Maradonna (soccer player) has moved inside the cafe. I walked up and down the street looking for it and thought I would easily find it since I saw it on the show. The owner moved it inside because he grew frustrated at the visitors but lack of purchases at his store. Inside he won't let you take a picture unless you buy something.
Robert Klos in Schaumburg, IL USA 06/26/2010
The hotel in Pisa, across from the station, is not Jolly Hotel but has a new name, NH something.
Hung Nguyen in Santa Clara, CA USA 06/26/2010
My husband found some of the city locator maps to be frustrating but he would have to elaborate on his concerns himself. He is a stickler for detail.
Michalene Perry in Punta Gorda, FL USA 06/24/2010
Vatican Museum audioguide (page 739). In your book you state that you have an audioguide for the Vatican Museum, but unfortunately I cannot find one on your website. I found the ones for the Sistine Chapel and St. Paul's Basilica and we thoroughly enjoyed them!!! So great. We just wished we had one for the museum as we got totally lost amongst the throngs of tour groups from the cruiseships and missed the whole wing with the tapestries and maps, AND the Raphael room :-( So sad. Ah well, we will have to do that next time. A better map of the museum and the audioguide would have been great. Thank you!!! Kirsten Clarke
Kirsten in Clarke, BC Canada 06/23/2010
I used the Rick Steves' Italy 2010 guidebook:though very good in the up-close and personal written descriptions of citys and towns etc... ,the hand scripted map(sorry,Rick!) directions lacked in accuracy.I still think it's the best book in stores !
Allan Hastings in Ballinafad, on canada 06/20/2010
Yes, on Florence hotels. In your writeup on Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo, you state "The lounge is palatial, and the 10 rooms are big and splendid, with original 16th century frescos. If you have the money...."
Armed with that information I made a reservation for 2 nights in May. My goal was to give my wife a vacation where we did some really special stuff.
Anyway when we got our room, it was really small, and had no frescos.
Sra. Niccolini's website is accurate about the rooms, even down to showing the square meters in each room. But I didn't check that detail because I was using your "the 10 rooms......" statement. We were really disappointed.
The Signoria was really gracious about our disappointment but there was nothing she could do about it since all rooms were occupied by that point.
So my suggestion..check with her to see how many of the rooms are big, splendid, and have frescos.
john muncaster in Ennis, TX USA 06/14/2010
Yes. We are in Italy as I write this. We were in Florence 2 days ago and had lunch at L'antica trippiano (?) Your guidebook says to mention it and you get a free glass of wine with your sandwiche. The girl at the counter said that is only if you order a tripe sandwiche. Since not even the promise of free wine will get me to eat tripe, we didn't get free wine. Your guidebook does not mention that it had to be a tripe sandwiche.
Carla Selvey in Roanoke, VA USA 06/14/2010
While staying at Villa Zuccari, we use their computer to go online to the Vatican website we saw in your guidebook. A Saturday was the day we had for the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica so we bought online tickets for the morning. That worked very well as we did not have to begin our day there after 12:30 PM. I guess that's not really a correction, but useful information for people who like to begin an their day there at an earlier time.
Bernadette Schrage in Calgary, AB Canada 06/12/2010
page 824: Under Antica Pizzeria da Michele: a pizza with beer now costs 5.50 euro (not 5 euro). A minor distinction, but I figured I would mention it anyway!
page 129: La Boutique del Gelato - Venice: each scoop now costs 1.20 euro, instead of 1 euro.
Carol Jin in Glen Cove, NY USA 06/10/2010
My 2010 Edition of your Rick Steves' Italy jumps from page 896 to page 929. What should I do?
Lee Clark in Grand Rapids, MI USA 06/10/2010
For seeing the sights in Pisa, it is easier to get off the train at the San Rossore train station. It is much closer than the Central train station if you are walking. We learned this from a local.
Jan Loveland in Key West, FL USA 06/07/2010
With the new Eurostar Italia and Alta Velocita trains, Venice to the Cinque Terre can be done in five hours via Florence and La Spezia. The book lists the journey at 6-8 hours.
Ryan in Katy, TX USA 06/05/2010
We stayed at Alma Domus in Siena. It was wonderful and the breakfasts were great. They are now taking credit cards for payment. Showers are small, so don't drop your soap, and the pillows are hard (filled with wool?). They now have internet and computers available on site for a reasonable fee. Ask for hairdryer if you need one.
Sandy Yamaoda in Pleasanton, CA USA 06/01/2010
Orvieto: Casa Selita B&B. This isn't a criticism of either the city or the B&B, both of which are truly outstanding inclusions for your itinerary. The issue is with the statement "offers easy access to Orvieto for drivers and train trippers". The first part of the statement is true. The second part CAN be true IF you understand the local buses. Unfortunately, we didn't. To get there as we did via funicular, a walk through town, and then back down to the B&B, is long, exhausting, and extremely confusing.
The key is the local bus system. The buses go up the hill, to the city, and also go AROUND the base of the hill, clockwise and counterclockwise, providing access between the train station and the B&B. If you're a train-tripper staying there, be sure to get emailed info on the buses from the proprietors before arrival in Orvieto.
Bob and Suzanne in Wilder, KY USA 05/31/2010
I have the Italy 2010 Guide book. Under accomodations in Venice you mention recommendations for apartments but I cannot find the recommendations anywhere. Did I miss something? We are a group of four families traveling to Italy in June of 2011 and I believe two large apartments would best. Any suggestions?
Thanks, Pat in Yakima
Pat Ovesen in Yakima, WA USA 05/30/2010
You haven't seen enough of Milan, you should go back and rewrite it. Didn't you know they had a branch of Grom, the gelato store? And what about the fabulous Roman wall ruins?
Cathy Horton in Perth, WA Australia 05/28/2010
Rome: The “Leonardo Express” train from the airport to the Termini train station is now 14 Euro not 11. And if your hotel is not in walking distance of the train station you will have additional transportation costs. Luckily, I asked at the Tourist Information office located at the railway station about alternatives and they told me about a shuttle service for 15 Euro per person that will take you to your hotel address. Look at www.airportshuttleexpress.it. So for 30 Euro plus a 1 Euro booking fee my wife and I got a ride with 4 other people that was a lot less stressful than the train. Even if you have a hotel near the Termini station you have a long walk through the station from where the train stops until you are even out front of the station and then even to Via Firenze is a long walk with luggage. Take the shuttle. Be aware that admission prices may have increased recently. We went to the Castel Sant’Angelo and the price was 8.50 instead of 6. We could see where they had pasted the 8.50 over the 6. Since we were traveling long distances we bought a rail pass for Italy and got reserved seat in advance of going to Italy. We bought it all from RailEurope and there was no shipping charge. The price for reserved seats was about the same as if we had bought them in Italy. Also, if you wait to buy the seats or tickets in Rome you may have to wait in line for an hour and face the likelihood of the train being sold out. Buy your tickets before you go. From my experience the price is the same.
Allen in Dunedin, Fl USA 05/26/2010
Rome: The “Leonardo Express” train from the airport to the Termini train station is now 14 Euro not 11. And if your hotel is not in walking distance of the train station you will have additional transportation costs. Luckily, I asked at the Tourist Information office located at the railway station about alternatives and they told me about a shuttle service for 15 Euro per person that will take you to your hotel address. Look at www.airportshuttleexpress.it. So for 30 Euro plus a 1 Euro booking fee my wife and I got a ride with 4 other people that was a lot less stressful than the train. Even if you have a hotel near the Termini station you have a long walk through the station from where the train stops until you are even out front of the station and then even to Via Firenze is a long walk with luggage. Take the shuttle. Be aware that admission prices may have increased recently. We went to the Castel Sant’Angelo and the price was 8.50 instead of 6. We could see where they had pasted the 8.50 over the 6. Since we were traveling long distances we bought a rail pass for Italy and got reserved seat in advance of going to Italy. We bought it all from RailEurope and there was no shipping charge. The price for reserved seats was about the same as if we had bought them in Italy. Also, if you wait to buy the seats or tickets in Rome you may have to wait in line for an hour and face the likelihood of the train being sold out. Buy your tickets before you go. From my experience the price is the same.
Allen in Dunedin, Fl USA 05/26/2010
Per the Vatican and the Vatican History Museum: The free entry to the history museum with a vatican ticket within five days expired at the end of 2009. No discounts for the history room at all.
Bryan in San Francisco, CA USA 05/22/2010
I would like to see a feedback section for your Cinque Terre Snapshot book
Susie Deyo in LaConner, WA USA 05/22/2010
Yes. We went to Castelrotto and stayed in Residence Troker as mentioned in your book. Understandably, it was early May and a very quiet time in that area. Our first choice of places to stay was being remodeled (as was nearly 2/3 of the area)so we went with Residence Troker. It was a bit difficult to find because the main road in town cuts you off due to major road work. When we got there, we were quite pleased because the price was great and the room had a nice view and a balcony. In addition, there was a small sitting area included in the room and a refrigerator. We were the ONLY guests in the entire hotel. We had booked for three days...and when we got there...it was raining a ton (we arrived on a Saturday afternoon). The parking was great cause it was right under the building.
You recommended that you ask for a room away from the smoke. This is not possible. Our room was as far away from the smoke as we were on the other end of the building...however, with the attached PUB and chain-smoking Inn Keepers...we were innudated with smoke...in our room...in the lobby (the only place to use Wi-Fi)when you would try to have breakfast (in the room attached to the lobby and separated from the PUB by a sliding-glass door)...everywhere. We even tried using the wi-fi by sitting on the exterior portion of the lobby, however, Rosey(the InnKeeper) was very disturbed if we used the door to let fresh air into the lobby...or sat on the porch(she was very kurt with us from the moment we arrived...even though we tried very hard to converse with her). After the first night we ALMOST checked out in favor of looking for new digs as I had a headache all night from the smoke. We didn't...and we didn't say anything (probably our first mistake). When we would come down for breakfast (as I said, we were the only guests in the building) Rosey would greet us and ask us if we wanted coffee (there was none on the breakfast bar...only hot water for tea...so, if you want coffee...she had to get it for you). As soon as she would serve the coffee...she would disappear and you were on your own. I ordered a cappacino...and my husband..Americano (which came in a small pot...about two cups worth). We don't eat much breakfast...sometimes some fruit...usually...just the coffee.
The second morning (Monday morning)we got up and looked for Rosey to ask for more coffee and another cappacino. She was very kurt and said....NO. If we wanted more coffee...we would have to pay 2 euros more. We paid the 2 euros and were very unhappy. We went for a walk around the town and talked a bit...(around 11 am) and decided that since it was raining...everything was closed...and our place was most uncomfortable...let's just move on to Venice a day early. We went back to check out a day early...and Rosey got really angry. We offered to split the cost of the third night since we were checking out ONE HOUR after check out time...but, that was not good enough. They insisted we owed them for the third night...but, would remove 10 euro charge (total) for breakfast.
When we pointed out that one of the main reasons we were leaving was the smoke...they angrily responded by saying THERE IS NO SMOKE!!
I think you should check this place out again....we were miserable there!
Carla and Warren Bird in Salem, OR USA 05/19/2010
We attempted to get "My Name is Duccio" tickets at the Museo, however they said that they did not carry them.
Sharon Kasper in Newcastle, WA USA 05/11/2010
The Hotel La Tonnarella in Sorrento is now quoting me 315EUR for their Junior Suite (Db with view terrace), instead of the 175EUR in the guidebook. I mentioned the Rick Steves prices I had in my 2010 guidebook and they said they raised their prices significantly for the year. Pretty disappointing, we were looking forward to staying there :(
Caitlin Arnold in Mountain View, CA USA 05/09/2010
We had trouble with the train trip from Florence to Venice. We purchased our tickets using the automated machines, which worked really well once you figured out how the operated. Our problem was that we received two tickets; one for the train to from Florence to Bologna and the other from Bologna to Venice. The first ticket had all of the train information (train number, car number and seats) but the second ticket did not. What I didn't realize was we needed to get off the train in Bologna and get on another train to Venice. We were fortunate enough to be setting next to a young man who explained this, after reading our tickets, and offered to guide us to the place we need to go to get our next train. I feel an explanation or a caution should be noted of this possibility. The term on our ticket was "via ferrara*padova*"
Dennis Phelan in Portland, OR USA 04/25/2010
In Florence, the Leonardo Museum is mapped as being at the intersection of Via dei Servi and Via dei Pucci/Via Maurizio Bufalini. It is actually farther north on Via dei Servi, approximately halfway between Via del Castellaccio and Via degli Alfani.
Greg Barnes in Seattle, WA USA 04/16/2010
We found that the bus from Siena to Assisi in the morning is no longer running. According to the Sena agent in Siena there is only the afternoon bus which goes to the train station below Assisi. Listed as Santa Maria Degli Angeli on the sena.it website.
Randy in Tulsa, OK USA 04/13/2010
Email address incorrect for Locanda dalla Compagnia (page 330 in the 2010 Italy book). Wasn't able to find an updated email address.
Trevor Larson in Portland, OR USA 04/02/2010
The specific recommendation in the guidebook for the Amalfi Coast taxi driver might not be a great idea. I was there for two weeks and learned quickly that he has capitalized on the recommendation and he gives an inferior tour. He can no longer handle the amount of calls and bids them out to other drivers and collects a take on them. There is some obvious resentment among the other drivers in Sorrento. On the other hand, we hired a driver quite by accident that gave us such a wonderful tour for 250 Euros which lasted until long after dark. He is charming and speaks a fair amount of English but takes great care to tailor the drive according to your taste and budget (meaning do you want to buy touristy stuff or do you really want to know who has the quality pottery/linens, etc. He MADE the trip for us. I am happy to provide his name if you want.
Christine Martin in Upperco, MD USA 04/01/2010
From Italy,2010, pg 99 & 102, Albergo Guerrato. The name appears changed to Hotel Pensione Guerrato but operated by the same people, so I went ahead and assumed the two names are for the same hotel. Correct? When I booked for April 2010, the rooms with baths were not available. A double room with sink only and bath down the hall was available. The surprise was that the "Rick Steve's cool price" for me and my husband was the same as the published price with bath of 90 Euros even though the room I reserved was with sink only and bath down the hall. I went ahead and confirmed the booking. However it doesn't seem fair. Do you think it's fair? And please tell me, what is your advice? My reservations are for April 10 & 11, 2010. An early reply would be greatly appreciated so that the price may be adjusted before payment time. Thank you for your advice.
Jean in San Francisco, CA USA 03/27/2010
Confirmed that the Michaelangelo's gelateria in Venice is closed, there was a number to call for what seemed like more information, but alas I forgot to record it.
Confirmed restaurant in Pompeii is now open! I'd highly recommend visitors use that restroom vs. the tiny not so clean ones at the entrance.
I took the bus from Pisa to Lucca and only paid 2 euros instead of the listed 3 euros in the book. Also, the location of the bus stop sign on the map was a little confusing, I didn't realize that the Lucca bus stop was literally next to the bus stop where you got off from Pisa Centrale, so I was walking in circles around the block trying to find it.
Grace in Seattle, USA 03/21/2010
p. 393 for S. Margh.Lig. restaurants. The Ristorante il Nostromo closed its doors permanently in December 2009. We verified this by going to the location (Feb. 2010) and it was gone--that's what the locals had told us as well.
Elaine in Livingston, MT USA 03/19/2010
italy 2010 page 504 locanda di baco is closed. They lost the lease and now all business - fish and meat, as per piero, is happening at osteria via san giorgio. Antipasto fantasia no longer on the menu but food delicious and reasonably priced. piero fondly rememebers Rick's visit last year and asked me to request a correction in the new edition of the guide. great meal.
rada in plattsburgh, ny USA 03/18/2010
Italy 2010 as of Feb 2010: pg. 307 airport bus is now 7.50 euros; pg. 504 Locanda di Bacco is now open Tuesday and closed Wednesday; pg. 724 you can now buy single ticket for National Museum of Rome for 7 euros, combo not required.
Cathleen Sass in Atlanta, GA USA 03/07/2010
The guidebook left out Genoa!
Robert Cole in Bethesda, MD USA 02/13/2010
For tickets to the Last Supper, the website has changed to www.cenacolovinciano.net which will redirect you to http://www.vivaticket.it/?op=cenacoloVinciano. The .org website no longer comes up.
I called the new phone number 02-92800360 on Jan. 13, 2010 for tickets in March. I was told that they do not have a calendar past the end of January.
Nancy Poekert in Richboro, PA USA 01/13/2010
The restaurant (The Autogrill) inside the Pompeii Scavi site is open. We ate there on 2 January 2010. I am including this because it must have been closed earlier and a poster had noted they found it closed.
Claudia in Pienza, Italy 01/08/2010
We really appreciated the details on how to use the Circumvesuviana train to travel between Naples and Sorrento. HOWEVER, this train (as well as the buses!) was completely closed on New Year's Day. We arrived at the Naples train station from Rome on 1 January 2010 and there was no way to get to Sorrento except by taxi (or other private car driver). VERY EXPENSIVE. I wonder if there are other dates that the Circumvesuviana is closed (perhaps Christmas Day? Perhaps Easter??). This information would have been very nice to have. We ended up paying Euro 100 to take a taxi to Sorrento for 3 people and luggage.
Everything was working for our return trip on 4 January.
Claudia in Pienza, Italy 01/07/2010
Italy 2010 - Assisi: The Rocca Maggiore is now 5 Euro instead of 2, and the combo ticket is 8 - which includes the Foro Romano and Art Gallery. Still a good deal to do all three.
AJ in Roma, LZ Italy 01/06/2010
Your train ticket explanations are great - I'd suggest that you tell folks to be sure to know the final destination of the train (even if they aren't going that far) as that info was very helpful to us in planning our train excursions.
Rita Dahlie in Vancouver, BC Canada 11/25/2009
Murano glass factories are closed on the weekend.
Richard Raub in Portland, OR USA 11/17/2009
The 2009 guidebook for Monterosso al Mare should be corrected under the "Activities" section (p. 326). It states,"A [bus] route goes to Colle di Gritta, where you can hike back down to Monterosso via the Santuary of Soviore (1 hour, easy)..." We got off the bus at Colle di Gritta only to find out that we needed to hike 1.7 km along the shoulder of a main road uphill to reach the trailhead at the Santuary. We recommend the sentence be revised to read, "A route goes to the Sanctuary of Soviore, where you can hike back down to Monterosso (1 to 2 hours, moderately steep)..."
John Radosta in Salem, OR USA 11/15/2009
No, the guidebook was extremely detailed and very helpful. From a quick way to calculate Euros to dollars, to how to navigate the metro in Rome, to the courses for meals, survival words in Italian to information about sites and recommended places to visit.
Colleen Farnan in Saratoga Springs, NY, NY USA 11/11/2009
In Venice, Rick recommended the Michielangelo gelato shop at the foot of Rialto Bridge. Alas, closed, cleaned out, gone.
Dennis T in Atlanta, GA USA 11/05/2009
Add Al Tondone B&B in Lucca. Free bikes & easy ride into town, very quiet & friendly. Great breakfast in a sunroom. 60 euros/nite double. Contact Anna altondone@tin.it Vernazza: Il Pirata was closed Tuesdays and runs out of handmade pastries, so go early. We missed out 2 days in a row.
Suzanne Chabon in Greensboro, NC USA 10/26/2009
We were trying to rent a motorboat in Riomaggiore. When we visited the diving center listed on p292, we were told that no one in the Cinque Terre rents motorboats. The guidebook lists the dive center as a place where this is available. We went to Vernazza where we had seen motorboat rentals and had a nice day on the water.
stan kopacz in santa cruz, ca USA 10/21/2009
When describing the train ticket you identify the Italian Treno for Train number and the Posti for Seat number but you left out the Carrozza for car number - also useful.
Ray Kirk in Thorburn , NS Canada 10/12/2009
Milan Linate airport transportation connections no longer has the STAM bus connection to the central train station. The only bus service we found was the ATM bus line 73 to the San Babila Metro station connection.
Dan in Carlsbad, CA USA 10/07/2009
Varenna, Italy Hotel Olivedo, is the worst hotel I have stayed at in over 40 years of European travel. Laura is a mean huckster and the rooms are terrible, noisy and the bath was dangerous for seniors. The place needs to be removed from the guide book. We canceled out of the place after one night w/o sleep after a big argument with Laura and drove to St. Moritz. What a lucky break!!!
Thomas Elmquist in Woodbury, MN USA 10/06/2009
Beef up your description please; Portovenere should not be missed.
Lynda Philipp in Fiddletown, CA USA 10/05/2009
La Romea B&B in Lucca is a great find--once you find it! The church that it faces is no longer called Sant Andrea, but something like St. Egidio. We stood under the LaRomea sign and looked and looked. Finally we saw another tourist approach the door and ring for help. We followed! Also their breakfast is considerably expanded--fresh fruit, pastries, even eggs cooked to order! A lovely spot to spend the night!
barbara in ames, io USA 10/02/2009
VERY MINOR: The location of Tratoria LA PALLOTTA (understating, this was one of the best restaurants on the trip) is actually in the narrow back end of the frescoed, vaulted old market. Where you show #12 on page 513 of Italy 2009 is another restaurant. We kept looking and found La Pallotta up the steps from V. Mac. Vecchi. It was worth the searching.
Ralph Perry in Cincinnati, Oh USA 09/30/2009
The location of the Ulisse Deluxe Hostel in the Sorrento hotel map is shown much further down the hill than it actually is. The hostel is very close to the top of the hill.
David Mack in Fort Collins, CO USA 09/29/2009
Palazzo Bruchi B&B in Siena now serves a lovely breakfast (no longer humble do-it-yourself as noted in Tuscany 2009) with freshly baked croissants, ham, cheese, yoghurt, fruit, juices, and cappucino. It is also run only by Camilla as her mother is deceased. Lovely place to stay right in the heart of Siena.
Hotel Milano in Pisa has no rooms off the street (per Tuscany 2009, "ask for a room off the street when you book"), but it is air conditioned and the rooms are very quiet. Breakfast is included now, but it is very ordinary with packaged breads/pastries. However, still an excellent recommendation.
Pamela Stutts in Virginia Beach, VA USA 09/27/2009
The web adress for Hotel Souvenir in Monterosso (Cinque Terre) is not working. Am not able to find any link to a web site at this time.
Rose in Vancouver, WA USA 09/26/2009
Regarding Internet Access in Vernazza, the Blue Marlin Bar's computers were not available before 10 am.
Joni in Mission Viejo, CA USA 09/24/2009
Unfortunately, we found most of the admission prices had increased substantially. After the first couple of instances, we just doubled the amount shown in the book.
Jacky Arnold USA/Military living in UK 09/23/2009
Stayed at the Marina Piccola in Manarola. Unlike your description, we found the staff very friendly. Also stayed at the Hotel Olivedo in Varenna. Unlike your description, the dinner was optional. We chose to have dinner there, but it was certainly our choice.
Amory Peck in Bellingham, WA USA 09/14/2009
Validate your directions to Hotel Riva. Not the first left, but the last left prior to the bridge. We used the map and found it without a problem.
Chris & Kelly Leu in Sheboygan, WI USA 09/14/2009
Did I miss the chapter about Sicily? Is it still part of Italy?
Mike Bucalo in Akron, Oh USA 09/14/2009
Prices to get into the Forum are higher than the book says.
Maria Neatherton in Palm Desert, CA USA 09/13/2009
yes. The Leonardo Express Train was not running one day so I had to take a bus to Fumincino - I knew to read the board but as is usually the case in Rome it was chaos and I knew to give myself time for unexpected things like this. The boarded on the street near Termini so you really had to read the signs. Always get in a metered cab and ask the price before. One cab wanted to take me to the Borghese Gallery for Euro 25 while the one I took cost 7. The metered price was 5.10 but he asked for 7 and I didn't fight him on it. I take Italian classes in New York and my ability and willingness to speak Italian got me many special treats and around a few scams. Also, beware of the guys that life your bags on the train as they appear to be departing who seem polite but then come back and ask you for money.
Mary Catherine Donnelly in Brooklyn, NY USA 09/01/2009
On pp. 603 it says "In general, slower trains ... and some night trains (from Munich, Milan...) use Tiburtina.
The night train from Munich, City Night Lines Line #485, arrives as Roma Termini. You can see this on their brochure on page 11 (http://www.citynightline.ch/nachtzugreise/view/mdb/nachtzugreise/reiseinfo/MDB61843-brosch_re_gb_web.pdf )
Mike in Los Angeles, CA USA 08/27/2009
DeiMori B&B: The updated fax number is 39.055.906.08.46; even DeiMori's site hasn't been updated.
Darcy in Lewiston, ID USA 08/26/2009
There's a howler on p. 64,bottom, in the description of artists at Venice's Accademia Gallery: the last named artist is given as "Testosterone." Someone on staff was having fun, apparently: of course, there isn't such an artist.
[Editor's Note: The person on the staff was Rick. He likes to add quirky bits of humor to his guidebook text.]
Judy Sacks in Gambier, OH USA 08/25/2009
Not a correction, but a tip! We used our GPS successfully everywhere, but in Sorrento. For some reason, the GPS doesn't work there. The hotel we stayed in had warned us ahead of time and sent a map with arrows drawn. We tried the GPS our of curiousity and it would have been a huge disaster without the map. Maybe adding a GPS section to the guide books?
Christina Anderson in Hacienda Heights, CA USA 08/19/2009
Hi Rick
I was checking one by one the cheap flights you've listed (Italy 2009, page 866) and found out that the website www.sterlingticket.com does not exists anymore. I've seen another link (http://www.theairdb.com/airline/sterling-airlines.html) that says airline already ceased operations in 2008 which probably explains why website no longer exists.
By the way, I was taking a holiday in Madrid when I first discovered about your guide books (the hotel has your book and another guest suggested me to use it) and I was so happy and amazed at the same time at how helpful and accurate are your tips.
Im going to Europe in two weeks time (again for my holiday) so needless to say that I've grabbed whatever Rick Steves' country guide books were available and started using it in planning my trip. If I wasnt pressed for time, I would have ordered your travel bag as well. Maybe next time.
Well, more power
Best regards, Benedict
Benedict in Manila, Philippines 08/19/2009
No. We took our two granddaughters, age 15 and 17, to Paris, Lausanne, Venice and Milan and the insight from your books made it an outstanding experience. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! We would not go to Europe without your books, and that is what we tell everyone.
Jim Colgan in Bixby, OK USA 08/15/2009
I'm currently planning my trip to Italy for Sept. 2009 and during my research I have found out that the cost of the Roma Pass has increased to 23 euros (versus the 20 euros listed in your Italy guidebook). You can validate this by looking at their site www.romapass.it.
Nadia Pacitto in Montreal, Qc Canada 07/28/2009
Italy 2009, "Livorno Cruise Ship Port" P.422: Alternative to "taxi between the port and (train) station for about €10-20", take City Bus #1 for €1! Tix at any Tabachi. Catch the #1 at the foot of Via Grande, just east of Piazza dell Arsenale, or at the main square, Piazza Della Repupblica.
Guy Murray in Austin, TX USA 07/22/2009
In Riomaggiore, we found Hotel Duxi to have serious noise problems. Street noise began at 7 AM with recyling collections--glass was noisy--that woke us. Then the church bells went on for 40 rings!!! Very difficult. We cannot recommend this place to anyone.
Jim Jamieson in Eugene, OR USA 07/20/2009
La Boheme B&B, Lucca, your guidebook indicates ask about free loaner bikes. When we inquired, we were told there were no bikes and we were directed to the bike rental stores in town.
Iris Posin in Deerfield Beach, FL USA 07/19/2009
Rick Steves Italy 2009 refers to a bus from the town of Como directly to Milan's Malpensa airport. As of June 2009, that bus is no longer operating.
Lindsay in Charleston, WV USA 07/17/2009
Possibly: In Florence - Trattoria la Burrasca and Trattoria Nella weren't open days and times listed...perhaps on vacation. Milan - We asked 3 different people - guard, hotel consierge, magazine salesperson in Piazza Duomo - none knew of its existence - Basilica guard said it had been closed for 2 yrs.- Leonardo da Vinci Science and Tech. Museum
Christine Elias in Vancouver, Wa USA 07/17/2009
We just returned from a two-week tour of Italy (June 22 - July 5, 2009) and found that some of the prices on rail tickets, museum entrance fees, and recommended hotels were higher than stated in the Italy 2009 book - I guess it is tough to keep up with these changes, especially over summer and in our present economy.
Also, when we toured the Vatican Museum (ending with the Sistine Chapel) and tried to exit directly into St. Peter's, but that exit was locked. There was a sign that it was to be used only by official tour guides, but even they were not able to use it on the day we were there (July 3, 2009)
Marianne Greer in Saskatoon, SK Canada 07/13/2009
We visited the San Sebastiano catacombes in Rome. We took the #118 bus to get there. However, when we came out, we found that the Appian Way was one way only at this location, and that is away from Rome. This is the only site we visited in two weeks where Rick failed to give us the direction we needed. We walked back to the other catacombes to catch the bus there, but didn't like the uncertainty.
Barry Blodgett in Cary, IL USA 07/07/2009
I was confused about the two main museums in Florence, the Ufizzi and the Accademia. I realize that purchasing reservations beforehand will reduce line/wait time, but reading the guidebook I was under the impression that reservations for these museums were required in order to get in at all. When reservations were unavailable, I thought about not even trying to get into them, but we did no problem. Only about a 45 minute wait for each. It would be nice if that part was clearer--that entry is possible, but a wait is inevitable. For the Last Supper, I guess you really stand no chance unless you book tickets 3 weeks in advance. We were traveling standby with no reservations, so that wasn't an option for us, everything was last minute--but still everything was wonderful!
Michaela Baglietto in Medford, OR USA 07/05/2009
Regarding Hotel Bougainville in Positano. I was informed that the stated "20 percent less Oct-April" did not apply to our planned stay on October 5 and 6 of this year. They will honor the 5 percent "with Rick Steve's book" discount, however. We're still looking forward to the sea views.
Jean Hannes in Fariview Heights, IL, IL USA 07/02/2009
Just a couple of possible corrections:
Rome: Miscellanea - Page 712 - may have changed hours or locations, as we were there at 11:15 on a weekday and saw no sign of it.
Venice: Alloggi "Alla Scala" - Page 92 - no longer serves breakfast. A note on the back of our room door said that it was due to "local bylaw."
Jack Martin in Lawrence, KS USA 06/28/2009
We visited Italy for 3 weeks in May of 2009 and, not surprisingly, found admission prices for museums and churches much higher than quoted as Rick's most recent book went to price. Transportation tickets were up, too. Ex -- Bus tickets in Sorrento were double. Just be advised that things will cost a little more, don't sweat it and enjoy.
Deborah in North Port, FL USA 06/27/2009
The American Express office in Florence was not there. Don't know if they moved or just closed the office. I used a travel agency for rail tickets and got them with no extra charge.
Mary in Tucson, AZ USA 06/22/2009
Just returned last weekend from Italy. The Roma Pass is 23 euros, not 20 as stated in the 2009 Italy book.
Scott Tom in San Ramon, CA USA 06/09/2009
Email address correction: Rick Steves' Italy 2009 p. 218 says for Hotel Centrale the web site is www.hc-bellagio.com but that the email address is info@bellagio.com (notice the domain names are different). I looked on www.hc-bellagio.com and it says the correct email address is info@hc-bellagio.com.
Brian in San Carlos, CA USA 06/06/2009
The Hotel "The Best" in Milano is pretty marginal. We live in hot weather so the no A/C wasn't a problem for us but if you're the least sqeamish about heat this is NOT the place for you.
Duane Henderson in Chico, CA USA 05/31/2009
No, but some of the areas like the Amalfi coast prefer Positano over the hardly mentioned Praiano and I think that's a mistake.
Henny van Dijk in Houston, TX USA 05/31/2009
Italy 2009, pages 612 and 613 for Rome Elettrico busses. #116 and #117 do not exist. Hotel Dipendenza Smetraldo charged me a full E100 per night with no E10 discount.
S Redshaw in Clearlake, CA USA 05/27/2009
EUROPA PREPAID PHONE CARD is highly recommended by you-I bought one in Rome in May from a Tobacco store-is never worked-refused to accept usa access code. I have told over 45 people your advice was bad, and to never rely on yoy for phone card advice. BOB L.
BOB LAWLESS in N. RIDGEVILLE, OH USA 05/19/2009
The Burano Lace Museum is closed for remodeling and it didn't look like it would be opening any time soon. We discovered this last week.
Judith Culy in Vernon, CT USA 05/14/2009
I have just made a room reservation at Antonio and Ingrid Fenelli Camere,Vernazza. I was told Rick Steves made a mistake on the prices. The Db is 70 Euro instead of 65 Euro as indicated on the 2009 book. I took it anyway, not sure I should bargain with her.
anita D in byron, mn USA 05/07/2009
I have just made a reservation of a room at Antonio and Ingrid Fenelli Camere, I was told Rick Steves made a mistake on the prices. The Db is 70 Euro instead of 65 Euro as indicated on the 2009 book. I took it anyway, not sure I should bargain with her.
anita D in byron, mn USA 05/07/2009
No Carta Unica ticket booth in the train station lot at Orvietto. Only available up in the village, too late for using for the Funiculare.
Thomas Chamberlin in Salem, OR USA 05/07/2009
I'm going to Italy in three days (my fouth trip there). The recommended tour guide in Pompeii (Gaetano) didn't answer my e-mail and was rather rude when I called his cell phone. According to him no groups, just a private 2-hour tour for 150 Euro (the book says 115 Euro). According to the book, lunch at Seliano Estate in Paestum is 20 Euro with drinks. Ettore Bellelli quoted us 30 Euro. It's difficult to believe that given the economic times they raised prices by 50%. I guess when you recommend someone in your book, after a period of time they get spoiled. Too sad.
Eugene Eventov in Newton, MA USA 05/06/2009
I spent a lot of time struggling with the saver pass and reservations. We needed reservations for all of our trips. We also had to figure out to check the train number and not just the final destination. Our Rome train said Milano, for example.
Lorraine New in Troy, MI USA 05/05/2009
Train to Cinque Terre via La Spezia: There are 2 La Spezia train stops (maybe not on every schedule, but on ours there were.)Be sure you get off at La Spezia CENTRALE (the second stop on the train we were on). One kind Italian saved 5 unrelated travelers from getting off the train at the first La Spezia stop, which would have left us a long way from where we all needed to be. My reading of the book left me the impression that there was only one station in La Spezia.
Betsy Shelton in Half Moon Bay, CA USA 05/04/2009
I only have a comment. I have Rick's 2008 Italy book but was using the older 2006 book in Italy, so maybe this is already addressed. If you are taking the bus from Siena to Volterra, you have to change bus lines in a town called Colle Val d'Elsa. If you don't take the very early morning busses from Siena you get stuck in Colle for 4 hours! However, it is a cute little hill top town, and the people in the TI are nice. It would be good to have known that you could be stranded in Colle, and to know that there are things to see there too.
Jeanette Rollinger in Visalia, CA USA 04/27/2009
Not a correction - but make the news about the closing of the Amex offices in Venice and Florence more prominent on your website - don't bury it under updates.
Lydia in Bethesda, MD USA 04/26/2009
Alla Dolce Vita Guest House in Lucca, Italy 3/31/09- no heat, no hot water and broken shower hose in our triple. Owner was NOT on premises and did NOT inform us in advance that we needed a cell phone to contact him to check in ( we were 15 minutes later than previously arranged time because of HIKE from train station) to accomodation or to contact him if any problem. Please revisit this site and specify that there is NO ONE AROUND to help you, if you have a problem. Seemed to be some electrical heat pump with limited hot water. We used the neighbor's shower. We ended up using a payphone and meeting David to pay our cash (shouldn't have, but my husband insisted) and to inform him that we were finding better accomodations. He took the money.
No email upon our return apologizing, etc. I think you should remove from your guidebook.
Barbara Aurand
Barbara
barbara in norfolk, va USA 04/21/2009
Yes a restaurant in Monterrosso al Mare. The new name is Ristorante L'Ancora Della Tortuga. New ownership as of 6 months ago. It was a fabulous place. The deco, the presentation of the food, the food itself, the wine. We loved it so much we went back the second night. I want to go back there just so we can eat there again. The setting is beautiful. tel. 0187.80.00.65
Ellen in Anaheim, ca USA 04/11/2009
The Roma Pass is now 23 Euros (instead of 20 stated in the book).
Kyla Miller in Ruckersville, VA USA 04/11/2009
p.862, baggage storage - 4 Euros for first 5 hours, and then a small hourly fee after that.
I'm not sure how you could explain this any better but here's the situation. We managed to miss the fast train that we had booked a ticket for because we didn't realize there would be SO many trains going to the same place at around the same time.
We had purchased a ticket for a specific train (the Eurostar number X) at 14:50 to Florence SMN. So, we walk out to the track and see a sign for a train to Florence SMN leaving at 14:48. We don't see any other signs on the track for Florence and figure we have to get on this one. Turned out to be the slow train which got us there some three hours later than we planned. And we paid like 3 times as much for the Eurostar.
Our actual train probably arrived two minutes later on a different track -- after we had departed and had the whole situation translated/explained by an Italian-only speaking ticket checker and a pleasant passenger who knew some English. This was our first train and we learned to read the arrivals and departures board first and then search out the track, realizing that another train might use the same track just a few minutes before our train. But all stations are different and it can be confusing at first -- although we quickly got the hang of it. Overall, we LOVED the Italian train system. That and the red wine and the gelato were my top three things.
Pat Millar in Dartmouth, NS Canada 04/08/2009
YES. Add a section for Torino and the Piemonte region!
Colin Carandang in Houston, TX USA 04/05/2009
Pompeii Scavi - The on-site restaurant is closed. I was there in both July 2008 and March 2009 and it does not look like it is opening any time soon. Both the 2008 and 2009 Italy editions and Rome editions state that the restaurant is open Fortunately, having been there the previous summer, I was aware that the restaurant might not be open and was not surprised, but others might be. Especially school groups, and there is no re-entry on the ticket. Bring your own food or eat before entering.
ramona ward in Austin, TX USA 03/21/2009
Italy 2009, page 656; the website for Santa Susanna Chuch is www.santasusanna.it not .org.
Jerry Gehl in Chippewa Falls, WI USA 03/03/2009
There is no longer an internet cafe on Piazza dei Signori, Vicenza
Samantha in Vicenza, Italy 02/24/2009
None
Vivian in Paramus, NJ USA 02/16/2009
On page 423, just wanted to let you know that JOLLY HOTEL no longer exists. It's now "NH Cavalier" Hotel.
yy in San Francisco, CA USA 02/13/2009
St Maria Maggiore in Rome seems to be closed down; fences all around, no obvious work being done.
Marianne LeSage in Spokane, WA USA 02/12/2009
I just returned from Europe yesterday, 2/8/09.In Amsterdam, I went to charge my train ticket to Antwerp, Belgium with my credit card. As of 1/26/09 in order to use a credit card (don't confuse this with a debit card), you have to know your pin number. I didn't know my pin number, so I had to either use cash or my debit card. I paid cash. I did not have this problem in Italy or Belgium. so, in Amsterdam, be sure and know the pin number of your credit card before you leave.
Laura Sevonty in Kenmore, WA USA 02/08/2009
There is no longer free parking at the Hotel California in Positano.
Don Kennedy in Hyndman, PA USA 01/17/2009
We stayed in at least 17 different places. Most accommodation was more expensive than the 2008 said. we were never given discount for cash either.
Lee in Washington DC, DC USA 01/15/2009
Venice - Just to point our a very poor choice of words. On Page 72, you say "Beyond the church topped island...three interesting islands..." This lead us to believe the these islands (Murano, etc) were actually beyond Maggiore, thus to the South of Venice, not the North.
Without a map in your book that indicated ALL of Venice, including its little islands, we were very confused.
Rob Webster in Groton, CT USA 01/07/2009
Verona - the directons for Villa Francescatti are incorrect! You don't have to go "over the river," you are already over the river based on the bus stop. This was very confusing!!
Rob Webster in Groton, CT USA 01/07/2009