Italy 2010

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.

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

Verona: This isn't a correction, but rather a warning I feel you should inform your readers of - At Locanda Catullo there are signs that say you are NOT allowed to wash your clothes. I don't know how enforced that is, but I felt it was something Rick Steves readers should know since they might be trying to wash their clothes in the room! Pizzeria Du de Cope - I don't think this place exists anymore. I was in Verona in early December 2008, and I found Osteria le Vecete which is listed as being right across the street, but no sign of Pizzeria Du de Cope. Maybe they moved and changed names? I found a place nearby called Ristorante Pizzeria San Matteo Church which matched the description of Pizzeria Du de Cope - smartly attired young waiters, high-energy, trendy, family-friendly, with flamboyant desserts. Even if its a different place, I would highly recommend it. Fabulous Pizza, desserts and they include a free digestif that is sort of like a creamy, drinkable, alcoholic lemon sorbet. Ristorante Pizzeria San Matteo Church Vicolo del Guasto, 4 (30 seconds walk from Locanda Catullo) 045 8004538 www.smatteo.it

Florence: Trattoria Casalinga - I did not feel the service was "surly" at all. The waiters were all super-friendly and this was one of my favorite restaurants in Italy!

Abby in Tallahassee, FL USA 12/31/2008

The Italy 2009 guidebook is indespinsible, but, I have a correction. At the Marco Polo Venice airport there is no post office as stated. You can only deposit outgoing mail in the slot outside security in the terminal. However, the Tobacchi shop near it does not sell stamps. You can only buy them from the tobacchi shop after you go through security. Once through security, however, there is no post box in which to deposit them. A nice catch 22. And, people at the airport outside of security will try to tell you otherwise (that everything can be accomplished once through security), but after you get through you find out differently.

Dan Belcher in St. Louis, MO USA 12/17/2008

In Florence, Tratorria la Burrasca was excellent but there are new owners, Elio & Simone. Also, prices have increased: pastas start at 7 Euros, secondi starts at 10 Euros, but it was worth it! Oso Buco was outstanding!

In Monterosso we stayed at Albergo degli Amici and it was just as described in your book. However, we paid 126 Euros for two people, which included breakfast. And the breakfast was absolutely the best we had in our 30 days in Italy! Huge buffet selection with great quality sweet and savory and the service was excellent. Mentioning this breakfast would be a great service to your readers. They also have a nice little garden area with tables and chairs.

In Siena, the train station has been totally remodeled and your description and directions are not accurate. There or so many discrepancies that we cannot describe them so someone needs to physically go there to write up the new description.

J & M in Durango, CO USA 12/08/2008

Nicolina accommodation in Vernazza - Qb is 140euros as per the owner - said your book was wrong as price was not 130euros - don't think you should recommend this place as definitely not worth even 130 for the condition of the place and the fact you have to climb many flights of stairs - terrace was a tiny balcony with a view across the roof tops to look at the places on the other side of the square (not really a view)

Carolyn Seager in Toronto, On Canada 12/02/2008

One of the glass musseum in Venice was closed at 5:30 p.m.the book says 6:00 we got there at 5:20 p.m. still they didn't let us in.

Mabel Luna in GLENDALE, CA USA 11/11/2008

The emphasis on dressing nicely in Italy is excessive. Being Americans, we are accustomed to wearing jeans a lot. However, Rick's Italy book left the impression that jeans were viewed with scorn in Italy. Really, this was not the case. Certainly, when going to a nice restaurant, jeans are not appropriate. However, we saw many people from all over the world wearing jeans, not least among them, the Italians! This included in the Vatican. I believe Rick's emphasis on dressing up in Italy should be attenuated. That said, the Italy book is invaluable. I'll always have a Rick Steve's guide with me in Europe.

Hugh Pratt in Tacoma, WA USA 10/31/2008

On page 767 of your 2008 guidebook you recommend Trattoria da Emilia in Sorrento which supposedly is open daily. Unfortunately this restaurant was closed when we tried to eat there on Wednesday evening, Oct. 15 around 8 PM. They may have changed their hours or gone out of business.

Chris Peter in El Cajon, CA USA 10/26/2008

Quick note about visiting Pompeii & Ercolano, we didn’t realize that there was a difference between drinking water and hand washing water. I am pretty sure if the water was safe for drinking it was labeled as “drinking water.” Hand washing/cooling water was labeled “water.”

Karen & Jon Roses in Boston, MA USA 10/25/2008

We stayed from October 12, 2008 to October 16, 2008 at Hotel Fasce in Santa Margharita Ligure. Your book indicates that it is a Three Star Hotel while in reality it is only Two Stars and advertises itself as such. Also Jane the former owner for many years is no longer there having gone back to England some 6 months ago. We were able to get a very favorable rate of Db - 80 Euro by using the website. The accomodations were adequate but the bathroom facilities were extremely difficult to mange because they were not small but tiny. We did inquire while we were there and discovered that the rooms in the Four Star Helios hotel facing the road (not the beach) were only Db - 100 Euro.

Darrell Thompson in Indianapolis, IN USA 10/20/2008

Yes. The price for vaporettos in Venice has gone up to 6,50. Also, the #82 line is now the #2 line. Lavena's gelato in Venice is not as good as others we found just around the corner and the service was poor. The portions were also very small and they were more expensive than others. We appreciated the podcast tours very much. You need to know they have moved things all over the place at the Uffizi, so we had to skip around to find what matched where. We finally gave up and did the last half on our own. Part of the rooms are closed and they have moved items to other locations. Also in Florence, the Bargello is closed through November 4. You may want to warn people on your website.

Rory Scanlon in American Fork, UT USA 10/18/2008

ORVIETO, ITALY Correction. My wife and I followed your recommendation for eating in Orvieto at a restaurant in Piazza Ranieri called "Trattoria d'Aronne". The name and owners have changed. It is now called, "Al Pozzo Etrusco Ristorante and is run by the Sala family. Annamaria Sala, the mother, is the head waiter. Her daughter Maria is the chef. She really knows how to cook. She prepared some of the best food we had in Italy. If you run into any language problems, Franco, the son, is part owner and speaks perfect English. He was educated in California. They also have an ancient dig going on in their basement. Ask to see it. It is really terrific.

This is a restaurant that you should put on your "Recommended List" tourists that visit Orvieto. Fabulous food and great service. It is just around the corner from the Hotel Piccolomini in Orvieto.

Clay & Heather Taft in Fair Oaks, CA USA 10/13/2008

Jolly Hotels is changing the name to NH hotel http://www.jollyhotels.it/

Brad Henshaw in Seattle, WA USA 10/05/2008

Listing for Affittacamere Patrizia Via Colombo 94 in RioMaggiore is misleading. The operator is renting rooms that require a 10 story walk up the hill to the road that runs above the town. No maid service. No soap. Place is under construction, so there are no exterior lights. You unlock the front door using the brail method. You can only make reservations via the Hostel World website.

Roger P in Chicago, Il USA 10/05/2008

Yes, I do. Your email address for Seminario Vescovile Sant'Andrea in Volterra is incorrect. The correct email address is: semvescovile@diocesivolterra.it

Mary Helen Merchant in Hollywood , FL USA 09/29/2008

Regarding the Albergo Del Dole in Varenna: It does have a suite with a lake view and an elevator. We stayed in this room and like it very much. Granted the family that runs the establishment isn't terribly warm but we found them very responsive to our requests. Also, we'd recommend their pizza. It was surprisingly good considering its proximity to the Swiss border.

Enotecca e Trattoria la Bitta in Venice: Not a correction, per se, but the woman who served us (we assumed she's the owner but unsure -- she acted like it at any rate) was quite a character. It seemed she was serving every table in the place so she had to be very economical (friendly but terse) in her interactions but she left an impression on us as classic Rick personality and we were surprised she wasn't noted in the description. We were much more charmed by her and the place than we expected to be from the book and found the food to be excellent.

Rob Moore in Austin, TX USA 09/28/2008

Yes, a warning about Za Za's in Florence Italy: I went there twice in September 2008. They had a great salad nicoise, but on both occasions they overcharged me, adding an item onto the bill that I did not order. If it were once, I might have thought it was a mistake. But twice? I commented on this to the waiter, who brushed it off. Better watch your bill when you go there!

jude mayer in shabbona, il USA 09/27/2008

Curreri Bus from Sorrento to Naples now costs 10 euro

Kathy in Auburn, MI USA 09/25/2008

When we arrived in Venice last week looking for Vaporetto #82, we could not find that route. It seems that the only routes we had available were #1, 2 and N. Did they changed it? We arrived at Tronchetto parking lot.

CLAUDIA TOMASELLI in KENNESAW, GA USA 09/15/2008

The 2008 Italy guidebook listed the Hotel Ferraro in Rome as an inexpensive hotel (one-$ rating) with prices that vary widely from euro 80-120. So when I emailed for a price I was surprised when I was told euro 145, considerably higher than the prices in the Rick Steves book. I then asked for a Rick Steves or cash discount and was told euro 135. I told them I was disappointed that the rate was much higher than the guidebook rate. The answer I received was "I'm sorry for your disappointment, but the rate mentioned on the guide referred low season , you know on high season (from 11th september to 02nd november) we apply other rates ." The guidebook did not mention this and I feel this needs to be addressed in the new guidebook and that Hotel Ferraro should not be given a one-$ rating. I was able to find less expensive accomodations elsewhere and I'm looking forward to my first trip to Italy.

mary in bridgewater, ma USA 09/10/2008

The SITA buses plying between Sorrento and Positano and Amalfi go later than your guidebook says--the last departure in either direction is at midnight instead of 10 pm. (I understand that this might be just seasonal adjustments in service.) Also, the late-night departures from Sorrento (10 pm and afterwards) depart from a different location, on Via Aranci just above the railway station.

Likewise, the Curreri airport bus that runs directly between Naples airport and Sorrento has been increased to 10 departures daily, instead of the 6 departures you mentioned. (But Rick was correct at the time of publication because I literally saw them paste over the old schedule on the Sorrento station bulletin board while I was there on August 9).

Ben in Mountain View, CA USA 09/09/2008

Went August 30 - Hotel Laurin in St Margarita Liguria does not honor the 10% discount as stated. The book states you get the discount if you mention the Rick Steves book when making the reservation. They told me at checkout that I had to book directly with the hotel through email or fax (not the website).

Rick in Windham, NH USA 09/08/2008

www.trenitalia.it and www.ferroviedellostato.it do not work for purchase of train tickets from the US. I tried for two weeks, unsuccessfully. After inputting credit card (VISA) info, the site returns with "payment denied". However, my credit card company (Chase Bank) insists that payment authorization was never attempted by the merchant. I finally bought tickets easily through www.italiarail.com using the same credit card.

Mark House in Durango, CO USA 09/07/2008

Monterosso Olive Oil Festival Date Change Attention Cinque Terre travelers (especially fellow foodies). Rick's Italy 2008 book lists a Salted Anchovies and olive oil festival in Monterosso (Cinque Terre) on September 6.

I just noticed that the date of the festival is actualy September 15-16. Not sure if it was a typo or a date change - but just wanted to try to help others who, like me, had been planning to visit this festival.

Source: http://www.cinqueterre.it/en/cta9.html

Joe Dougherty in Philadelphia, PA USA 08/24/2008

I would like to provide information about the Menaggio Youth Hostel on Lake Como. There was no internet available at all, the computer was "out of order". They are no longer serving meals there the "restaurant is closed" permanently. They do not rent canoes or other boats. Alberto is not particularly helpful in recommending things to do. When asked any questions about activities, he grunted and pointed to brochures. It does have a beautiful view and is fairly reasonable, but all of the other pluses mentioned in the Rick Steve's book aren't really available. We had a family room in the hostel.

Margie Myska in Eugene, OR USA 08/21/2008

No, the guidebook was wonderfully accurate! I used Rick's for history, orientation and travel info, plus Let's Go for Southern Italy and for more budget options for accommodation. Between the two books I had enough info that I found myself playing tour guide to other travelers I met along the way who were guidebookless.

Paul Rosini in Victoria, BC Canada 08/17/2008

Your list of the Italian Holidays in the 2008 guidebook was a helpful addition. However you failed to mention Rome's Bianco Notte in September. We ran into this festival on our trip in 2006, and it was massive !!! Ten's of thousands of Romans filling the streets of the old town till 3am (that's when we gave up). We went for an evening stroll & late dinner. The buses were re-routed, and we didn't get our late dinner until after 10:30pm. Let me tell you I could go on. It was however a memorable experience, which we loved. But tourists beware. It should be listed in the guidebook.

Ray Bartley in Saint Helens, OR USA 08/16/2008

Most of the attractions in the Science Museum in Florence is closed until 2009. Chapel of Princes in the Medici Chapels is undergoing renovations until 2009. Santa Croce Church in Florence is also undergoing extensive renovation.

Karen and Andy Ramroth in San Carlos, CA USA 08/15/2008

Bus #910 no longer takes you to Via Pinciana for the Borghese Gallery.

Bess E. in Santa Rosa, CA USA 08/12/2008

Orvieto restaurants no longer open or difficult to locate but Hotel Corso recommended trattoria al Corsica on Piazza Angelo da Orvieto and we loved it...please add it to your guide. 0763-340972

Ann Doty in Juneau, AK USA 08/11/2008

The hotel santa marta in Milan should be re reviewed. It was the most disgusting hotel that I have ever stayed at. Although most other reccomendations from the guidebook were correct, this hotel ruined our time in Milan.

anat cole in toronto, on canada 08/11/2008

In Sorrento you cannot walk from the old to the new wharfs - there is a barrier on the beach. Also, there is no elevator down - must take a bus or walk.

kay greenblatt in suffern, ny USA 08/10/2008

Milan, Hotel Sabotino, new owners as of July 1,2008. When we arrived they said they just opened the other day. On the phone, they promised me a Db-80 euros. When we arrived, no Db available. Gave us a D-60 euros. Rick Steves 2008 quotes D-55 euros.

Natalie Winslow in Monroe, WA USA 08/05/2008

P 483, Siena, Antica Pizzicheria al Palazzo della Chigiana's prices are no longer accurate. We ordered a meat and cheese plate and were very surprised when the meal total came to 46.60 euros for two people (guidebook indicated 15 for food per person+3/glass of wine). The meat was 15 per person as listed, but the standard wine was 6 euro a glass instead of the 3 mentioned in the book, and they charge 5 euro for bread to go with the meat and cheese. They don't have any tables inside as listed in the book and so you eat standing outside the window. One of the employees warned us that passer by would try to "taste" from our tray of food. Sure enough, hands reached out from behind us as we ate.

Michelle in Madison, WI USA 07/30/2008

The Sorrento lavanderia at Corso Italia 30 that you recommended, but wanted to let you know that the “full service” option was no longer available. Perhaps that is because we were there ahead of the high season, at the end of April—there was no attendant to ask about this.

Mary Jo & Patrick in Portland, OR USA 07/29/2008

The bus from Stresa to Malpensa is now 9 euros. Also the Il Portico restaurant in Stresa now opens at 19:00 instead of 18:30.

Dan B. in San Mateo, CA USA 07/24/2008

Previously I was unable to open this site for some reason, so I already registered this one outstanding correction. On page 662 you indicate that the private tour companies allow you to skip the long ticket buying line. You reference "Through Eternity" tour on page 613. They do not skip the line and we stood in line for almost 2 1/2 hours. The tour started at 10am and we didn't get into the Vatican Museum until 1:05pm.

Gordon Cochrane in Crete, IL USA 07/23/2008

Our taxi from our hotel in Rome to the Fiumcino airport cost more than 40 euro.

Emily in Fairfax, VA USA 07/22/2008

Ostia Antica is 6 or 6,50 euro for adults and 3,25 for people 18-25 Castel de St. Angelo is 8:50

Anna Lee in Birmingham, AL USA 07/22/2008

In Rome be aware. The Archeobus does NOT go to the aquaduct park even though it shows it on the route map printed on the side of the bus. Also, if you decide to use Rome Airport Shuttle for a ride to the airport DO NOT let them tell you what time they will pick you up as they ask what time your flight is when calling. Tell them what time YOU want to be at the airport. Approximate at least one hour to get there. You are not the only one they pick-up. I missed my flight home due to their pickup time(and they were late,to boot)and when I called to explain the situation I was told it was not their fault.

renee harmon USA 07/17/2008

Not really a correction-just a comment. The hiking was definitely not "treacherous" in Cinque Terre, as some might have reported. Those who are familiar with hiking trails in general will find them well maintained. Just don't wear shoes without a tread, as some might attempt. Please don't include:(I'm tempted to say "duh", but feel it's in bad taste).

Patricia Benson in Ann Arbor, MI USA 07/17/2008

In Sorrento, the Ulisse Deluxe Hostel gave the same room price for cash as for credit payment.

The bust from Milan Central Station to Malpensa airport is up to 7 euros, and can be expected to rise with fuel prices.

Linda in Lakewood, CO USA 07/16/2008

You can no longer climb the Ampitheatre in Pompeii. The Leonardo Museum in Florence is now South of the Duomo not North.

Sally in Cincinnati, OH USA 07/15/2008

As of mid June 2008: 1) Accademia Museum was 10 Euro 2) Borghese Gallery was 13.50 Euro 3) ATVO Bus to airport in Venice required pre-purchased 3 Euro tickets (driver did not accept payment) and left from Corsia D2 platform leaving in 40 min. intervals.

Michelle Whorley in Kirkland, WA USA 07/14/2008

I am puzzled about the Ponte de Calatrava shown on the Venice maps in the Italy book. It goes from the train station to Piazzale Roma. This bridge does not appear on the Michelin map or on Google Earth. Does the bridge exist?

Harold Berger in Huntington Beach, CA USA 07/12/2008

Venice - Osterio Naranzaria - changes over to Dinner menu at 7:30pm - daily specials only - brief menu - no pastas, no traditional meals - with a family be done by 7:30 or have a problem finding something for the fmaily. nice for couples -great canal side. Florence- note- all of the eat cheap near the Palazzo Vecchio were closed midday.

Tony Caruso in Alpharetta , GA USA 07/12/2008

We thought Miky in Monterosso, Cinque Terre, was wonderful but pricier than the guidebook led us to believe.

Anne Rosenfeld in Seattle, WA USA 07/10/2008

pg 373 the #7 bus from the Parcheggio Parterre does not run on Sundays. Taxis are always there. pg 364Piazza d' Armi no longer has free parking and the shuttle service ends at 0930

Angelle in Everberg, Belgium 07/08/2008

The hike between Vernazza and Monterosso is very tough...tons of steps. People need to carry water and be ready for a tough climb!

Sandy in San Bruno, CA USA 07/02/2008

In the Rome 2008 guidebook, there is no mention whatsoever of the Baths of Septimus Severus on the Palatine Hill. According to more digging I've done, there appear to be substantial ruins of these baths, and they are just below Domitian's stadium (Stadio). But they are not listed on your map or in the text guide. The book is fantastic, but this huge omission worries me.

Stephanie Markland in West Monroe, LA USA 06/28/2008

Laura in Hotel Olivedo, Varenna, was wonderfully adorable.

Ana Miner in Novato, CA USA 06/26/2008

Italy 2008 book on page 217 Caminetto in Gitta should really be reading as Ristorante Il Caminetto.

Michael de la Pena in Shingle Springs, CA USA 06/22/2008

Hotel Galileo - Florence - charged 140 dbl vs 120 as stated in guidebook

Peter & Maureen in Ridgeland, MS United States 06/21/2008

I have a question: In your 2007 edition p.365 when writing about the Uffiz gallery in Florence, you mention an "early painting of Bob Hope". Is that a joke???

Judi Spizzirri in Cary, Il USA 06/21/2008

Suggest you emphasize that the pickpockets can get a wallet out of the zipped front pocket of your pants without you knowing it. It happened in Pisa.

Jolien Mierke in Alexandria, VA USA 06/21/2008

Page 337- Cinque Terre: Monterosso al Mare (Eating); the entry on the restaurant Miky needs to add that there is a strict dress code at lunch as well. We were turned away (as was the couple behind us), as we were not in dressy clothes. We were in tasteful clothes, as it was lunch. I was wearing a cotton skirt and a shirt. My husband had on shorts and a t-shirt. This is not acceptable to them, even at lunch. We thought we would try this place, as we were only in Monterosso for lunch and not dinner. Had it been dinner, we would have definitely been dressed up. Please let your readers know that there is also a strict dress code for lunch and you will be turned away. It was disappointing.

Jessica in Baldwin, WI USA 06/17/2008

In Milan - the AIG Piero Rotta email address is a .org, rather than .it - email is: milano@ostellionline.org

Tami Mena in Austin, TX USA 06/17/2008

The Bolzano restaurant Hopfen and Company is now open 7 days a week.

Carole Bennett in Daytona Beach, FL USA 06/15/2008

Pina Esposito charges 130 euros (not 100) for 2 hour tour of Naples Archaeological Museum; it's an excellent tour, however, well worth the money. She also gives discounts for early booking of longer tours e.g. Pompeii/Herculaneum.

Alcalay in Platteville, WI USA 06/11/2008

Re: Enoteca Oreste, Verona, Italy. Beverly is, if I understood her niece corretly, dead.

Alfonso Damico in Iowa City, IA USA 06/10/2008

Additional info: train from Sorrento to Naples: there are 2 Naples stops; get off at the first one (Garibaldi) to transfer to the EuroStar train to Rome.

W. Wong in San Francisco, CA USA 06/08/2008

The Palatine Hill ticket office does not sell the Roma pass, or at least did not while I was there.

Russ Lorber in Westminster, MD USA 06/07/2008

The guidebook lists an incorrect rate for "Hotel Valley" in Milan. The book says Tb = 80 Euros / speak to Rocco. It makes no mention of rates being higher in any particular month.

I asked for a room for 1 night in late October, mentioned the Italy guidebook, asked for Rocco, and I was quoted (by Rocco) 105 Euros per night. Rocco stated that "the price can change in October because there are important events." This just doesn't seem right or particularly fair. Thank you.

Rebeca in Orlando, FL USA 06/07/2008

None, what a wonderful job of publishing a guide book and a phrase book!!

Ron and Linda Schroeder in Portland, OR USA 06/06/2008

Please note that the Uffizi gallery will take away your water bottles--before you get to the baggage check. There are some cubbies by the metal detector guard where you can check a good bottle, if he feels like it. Then you can proceed on a parching walk through the museum.

Susan Aldridge in Milwaukee, WI USA 06/06/2008

Rick Steves Italy, p 233 describes the mountain cable car at Stresa. The book says that "a cabld car takes you up '' in two stages -- and a 20 minute ridge -- to the top of Mount Mottatrone...." The cable car actually does not go to the top of the mountain. After disembarking from the topmost cable car station you still have a 10-minute hike uphill to get to the top. From the cable car station itself, there is no real view of anything except some decrepit buildings and a very mundane restaurant. A warning of this situation would be useful and helpful.

Vern Squires in Winnetka, IL USA 06/02/2008

Borghese Gallery is as of 5/22/2008 Euro 13.50 instead of Euro 8.50.

Anke in Pasadena, CA USA 05/28/2008

Here are some updates about Milan to the Italy 2008 book based upon our May 2008 trip:

It now costs 7 euros to take an elevator to the Duomo roof (5 euros to take the stairs).

The "cafeteria" in the train station is not a cafeteria in the U.S. sense of the word (or like Italy's "Caio" cafeterias). The only food available there are sandwiches, calzones, etc.

Apparently you can't validate the 48-hour transit pass. It would not fit into any of the orange or yellow validation machines. In addition a local person indicated that this was not appropriate. We had no problems just using the magnetic readers.

Stephen Addison in Charlotte, NC USA 05/24/2008

We bought your guide book for Italy but were disappointed to discover that you had completely eliminated San Marino, an area we especially want to visit. No rail or bus schedules or any information of any kind regarding this area within Italy. If your book was not so valuable (good maps and other information)we would return it. Now we have to buy another guide book which includes San Marino.

Anne Wilson in Covina, CA USA 05/23/2008

Please Rick, please update your information on Elisabetta's Villino Azzurro. It is an injustice to fellow travelers to refer to Elisabetta's as "ramshackle rooms" and "let me know if it's not reliable". We just returned from staying in the 2 uppermost rooms and I can't imagine staying anywhere else when in the CT. The rooftop terrace has the most unbelieveable views which I think everyone is being cheated of, if they go to a place without it. Elisabetta explained the problem she had last year when her mother had a medical emergency. She is trying very hard to please and show that she IS reliable but that period of time was something beyond her control. Her rooms are small but very clean, accommodating, and comfortable. Please update your book with all pleasing recommendations of her place so that many of your readers can be as thrilled with their selection of Elisabetta's as I was. Linda

Linda Bousk in Somonauk, IL USA 05/23/2008

All museum admission and transportation prices actually are 20-25% higher.

Irina in Daly City, CA USA 05/20/2008

The Roman Forum is not free. Entrance to the Forum is now included with Palatine Hill and the Colosseum - 11 euros buys you entrance to all 3, but you cannot go into the Forum without paying. We found some good vantage points from the edges, particularly near Capitol Hill, and were able to look in and read Rick's descriptions of the sights there.

Susan in Boston, MA USA 05/14/2008

Here are a few corrections/suggestions we have after using your 2007 Italy Guidebook.

Page 652 - Naples - By Boat Add the following: After crossing the busy street in front of the port, walk to the left towards the overpass. Note there is an elevator under the overpass that will take you up to the street in front of Piazza del Plebiscito. If arriving by boat, just follow the self-guided walk backwards starting with Piazza del Plebiscito on page 658.

Page 653 - Helpful Hints - Traffic Add the following: Italian drivers in Italy are very good at avoiding people - just don't make any sudden moves that might surprise them.

Page 654 - Getting to the Archaeological Museum Add the following: Walking from the train station to the museum takes only 20 minutes or so and can be one of your most enjoyable experiences in Naples as you walk through a slice of life in Naples. In fact, if you are hungry, two of the best pizza places in Naples are not far from the train station (see page 669).

Page 669 - Eating Add the following: No one should leave Naples without buying some mozzarella di buffalo sold from small stands in the airport. 7.50 Euros buys 2 large balls (.5 kg) and you'll be surprised how much better it is compared to the stuff sold in the States.

Page 669 - Pizzeria Trianon Add the following: If you are reasonably hungry, you'll want a whole pizza to yourself, but since all pizzas are priced between 4 to 8 euros, you can't go wrong. Prices are very reasonable. If you are looking for the closest thing to a pepperoni pizza, order the "Pizza Forte" which is quite good and spicy hot.

Page 689 - Cliffside Square Remove reference to an elevator - it was closed when we were there May 5-9.

Page 672 - add the following: If you take a taxi from the trian station to the airport, you should expect to pay no more than 20 euros.

Scott in Renton, WA USA 05/12/2008

The guidebook lists an incorrect rate for "Hotel Villa Elda" in Siena. The book says "Db=120 Euros, extra person 15 Euros, 10 percent discount promised by Sr. Polzinetti if you have this book request when you reserve, and stay two nights or more".

I requested 3 nights, mentioned the book and the discount, and I was quoted 160 Euros per night, discounted from 180 Euros. They explained "for a mistake on Rick Steve's is written a different price that anyway is not available on high season."

Louis Rios in Kansas City, MO USA 05/08/2008

Not exactly a correction, but I discovered a problem with Rick's "favorite itinerary", i.e. "22 days in Italy". He says that if you are going by rail, you should "from Venice, go directly to the Cinque Terre, then do Florence and Siena". From what I can tell, Venice to Cinque Terre is a very complicated train trip -- you have to change trains 3 times and it takes most of a day. I think it makes more sense to do Venice, then Siena, then Florence, then Cinque Terre -- you'll have shorter, simpler train trips each time.

Louis Rios in Kansas City, MO USA 05/07/2008

You can no longer enter The Forum from Via Sacra; the entrance is now 300 meters down the road and it is now one entrance to both Palatine Hill and The Forum. We went up Via Sacra and clearly saw that it is closed off by a gate and a sign that says exit only. Don't veer off to the left and climb the hill expecting to get into The Forum that way, because you'll wind up at the top of a hill that only has a small church. Also, your Self-Guided Forum Walk needs some clarification because I thought one relic was Ceasar's tomb but I found out later that Caesar's tomb was somewhere else.

Sheila M. in Wheaton, IL USA 04/30/2008

Venice: The fast boat on the Grand Canal seems to have been renumbered to 2, vs 82 Popping into hotels for a card with a map is a great idea, but they usually give you a big map or take your map and show you where you are! Campanile is currently under constuction around it. Accademia is now 7 euro pg 73 Frari Church has a different entrance, so the map is wrong, and it is 3 euro pg 109 sandwhich row is rally more at the corner of San Provolo, but Bar Verde was yummy!

Varena Early april is not "in season" so many restaurants will not server you within 45 minutes of closing for lunch. Quite a dissapointment

Milan: No longer a combo for Elevator to top of Duomo and Museum. 6 euro for elevator Last supper - getting last minute tickets is not an option.

Florence: pg 395 - Uffizi Gallery is a 4 euro reservation fee pg400 - Pitti Palace - now 12 for gallerys ticket combo, 10 for gardens and porcelin museum

Pisa: All tickets to all sights are sold at the ticket offices.

Rome: pg 683 - Trajani column base is under construction pg 643 - Victor Emmanuel Monument is currently under construction pg 644 - Another option for food near pantheon - Antica Salumeri di Ansuini Giovani - Piazza della Rotunda, 4 Roma. She's a little crazy and grabbed the book from my hand but the sandwhiches were tasty. pg 646 - Trevi Fountain - you forgot to remind us tourists to throw a coin over our shoulder for good luck! Vatican City - museum opens at 8:30 now pg 667 - Gastel Sain Angelo is now 7 euro

Nicole in Denver, CO USA 04/18/2008

The rail fares on page 835 are actually in euros and not in dollars like the guide says. Other than that, great guide! I had never been in Italy and I ended up going there by myself and your guide really helped me travel like a pro. Thanks for the great advice!

Cynthia Roo in Chula Vista, CA USA 04/16/2008

The price for Ostia Antica is 6.50 euro (I believe it was listed as 4 euro in the Italy book).

Christy in Drexel Hill, PA USA 04/16/2008

The map of Florence is BACKWARDS!!! We followed the map from the train station and ended up so far away from Uffizi that we had to take a taxi!

April O'Connor in Portland, OR USA 04/07/2008

In the guidebook on page 335 it lists the website for Albergo Marina as http://www.hotelmarinacinqueterre.it that site does not work as of 4/3/2008. A website that seems to be the same place is http://www.hotelmarina5terre.com/

Mike in Los Angeles, CA USA 04/03/2008

the bellevue house in florence does not serve breakfast. you pay 3.50 euros per person and you get a ticket for a coffee and pastry down the street.

bruce lahr in sauk rapids, mi USA 04/03/2008

on page 336 it says "The middle two are tired, impersonal, and overpriced, cashing in on their seaside location, with varying levels of comfort".

I believe you meant to write "the first two", not "the middle two". Under the description of Punta Mesco later on the page it says "For the price, its the best comfort in town" which is at odds with the earlier paragraph. Also it is not on the water, as the 1st 2 listings are, and costs less than them too.

Mike in Los Angeles, CA USA 04/01/2008

The Forum in Rome is no longer free. It is closed off and requires tickets to Palentine Hill.

The layout of the train station in Naples is undergoing some changes. This affected the metro into town as well as the Circumvesuviana train. Following the directions in the book got me turned around.

Scott Hovey in Durham, NC USA 03/31/2008

For some time now, Sicily has been a part of Italy. Perhaps the book should have included Sicily to truly be a book about Italy.

Jason Tsongas in Rochester, NY USA 03/26/2008

Please clarify how to find the parking lot in Florence where you say to go under the arch and turn left... you leave people hanging after that. We drove around endlessly looking for the parking lot. Turns out, there was a yellow barricade across the entrance, but we couldn't tell it was a parking area. Also, tell travelers to have ample coins with them for the single meter, that they'll have to look over the entire parking lot to find. After all this, we had to literally run to get to the Accademia Galleria to make our appt time for our reserved entrance, and we barely made it.

Sue Laabs in Northville, MI USA 03/23/2008

In Venice the Hotel Albergo Marin Rick Steves double room rate is now 120 Euro/night, not the published rate of 110 Euro.

Stanley Sizeler in Pleasant Hill, CA USA 03/18/2008

Hotel Alma Domus in Siena now will take reservations at info@hotelalmadomus.it. Note to Comcast users: include a fax number or alternate email as they can't email back to Comcast email address.

Margaret Beain in Bel Air, MD USA 03/17/2008

Hotel Pensione Italia: a great hotel in Rome, but p. 687 of the "Italy 2008" book implies that they don't take credit cards. They do accept credit cards, but not for any special rates offered to Rick Steves guidebook readers. The book did not suggest that special rates of this kind were available, however.

Erik in Elk Grove, CA USA 03/16/2008

The Italy guide states that Through Eternity offers a 20% discount to readers of your guide. I just received emails from them stating they do not and seem to offer a 10% discount to almost anyone.

Dan Kotynski in Chicago, IL USA 03/14/2008

In Italy 2008, on page 383, the phone number for Florence Museums reservations is incorrect. It should be 011-39-055-294-883, but is written 833.

Debbie Bewell in Calgary, Ab Canada 03/06/2008

Naples' Archaeological Museum cost 10 euro during our February visit, not the 6.5 euro price listed in the guidebook.

Stephen Addison in Charlotte, NC USA 02/24/2008

The Sorrento map on page 754 shows the Mens Club at both # 27 (correct) and # 30 (incorrect).

Stephen Addison in Charlotte, NC USA 02/24/2008

Naples’ Centrale Train Station is under renovation and consequently, the detailed description of the station's layout in the guidebook is no longer correct. Many intercity trains now use underground platforms. Tip: You can get very useful timetable for the Circumvesuviana train from the Campania ArteCard kiosk in Naples’ Centrale Train Station.

Stephen Addison in Charlotte, NC USA 02/24/2008

One correction. On p 292, with regards to Protect Cinque Terre tours, the web address is slightly wrong. It reads www.protectcinqueterre.net. It's actually ".com" So it should read www.protectcinqueterre.com. When it didn't come up I did a quick search on-line and found it easily. Just thought I'd let you know about the misprint.

Brandy Lively in Bellevue, NE USA 02/23/2008

I am going to Italy early March. After checking with websites listed in Itay guidebook I purchased there were several important discrepencies. Shuttle from Rome airport via Rome Airport Shuttle in 2008 guidebook is way off from website for 2 people. Florence basic walking tour info is incorrect as to admission to museum and current itinerary. Several other errors in regards to cost as well in Rome, Florence and venice.

Dave Penksa in Bellingham, WA USA 02/17/2008

I am attempting to book a room in Cinque Terre for three days Easter weekend. Impossible so far except Tonino Basso has responded and he will rent me the same double you write about for 140 euro istead of the 100 written about in your book. I thought the money quote was the high season quote? Am I being taken for a ride????

Brenda McConachie in Lantzville, Canada 02/17/2008

In the Italy 2008 guidebook, I am unable to access the Il Domus website (Milan hotels, page 270). Also, my e-mail to info@ildomus.it was returned as undeliverable.

Dorothy Dejmal in Denver, CO USA 02/15/2008

In the 2007 edition of the Italy guidebook, it says there is a baggage locker at the train station in Vicenza. In September 2007, there was no place to leave baggage at the train station. We were told that it was removed because of fear of terrorism.

K Spencer in Wenatchee, WA USA 02/09/2008

Yes, I would suggest that you do a section on BOLOGNA, ITALY!

Kathleen Hanes in Bologna, IT USA 01/27/2008

Just an FYI -- I'm planning a trip for mid to late May to the Lake Como area. (It's now Jan. 23) I'm finding that most hotels in Varenna are already booked (Milano, Eremo Gaudio, Hotel du Lac,and Villa Cipressi). So "wide open" most months of the year except heavy summer tourist season is no longer the case as noted in the 2007 book! We are moving on to Bellagio hotels with high hopes. But it should be noted that these places fill up fast -- four month advance reservations is not enough!

Deborah in Boise, ID USA 01/23/2008

My wife and I spent five wonderful days in and around Siena. Information on transportation connections was spot on, with one small ommission... Although one may buy SENA bus tickets (in our case, to Milan) at the bus station (P. Gramsci), the SENA bus actually departs from the train station. It certainly isn't the guide books's fault for not pointing it out, only ours for not digging a little deeper! However, we thought it might be helpful to future travelers to know this.

Ryan Wigginton in Sellersburg, IN USA 01/23/2008

Hi Rick, This is the 3rd book of Italy I have purchased of yours and find it terrific. We are in Florence at the moment and went to the Hotel Morandi Alla Crocetta in Via Laura. Just to update you on the staff, Frank has been here almost 20 years and is not mentioned, he is an elderly man who you spoke to on your last night, delightful. Some staff have left and the latest staff are Maurizio, Ronaldo and Riccardo. All terrific, English speaking and fall over themselves to help you. Hotel is terrific too, great location walk everywhere and rooms A1. We are paying in this off season only 60 Euros a night and staying for 6 nights before going to Venice with your book. We have travelled thru Sicily then to San Gimignano and its been a splendid trip.

Len Resnekov in Sydney, NS Australia 01/17/2008

Yes; Italy 2008. Verona; Accomodations; Hotel Arena: email address should be info@albergoarena.it (they did not respond to the yahoo address listed in the guidebook) Also, price quoted via email was 85 Euro, including breakfast. Did not confirm if parking would be reserved. We booked with Caterina at Hotel Torcolo, who quoted us 90 Euro for a Db, 10 Euro LESS than stated in the guidebook. :)

Claire Moore in Melbourne, FL USA 01/14/2008

Hosteria Restaurant near Vatican wall was # 2A not 29 Leone. The name was a little diffent than in Rick Steves book and was Excellent! Food Delicious, Service Excellent, no cover and good prices.

JOhn USA 01/05/2008

Just be aware that many of the recommended restaurants were closed in Novembe in Monterosso.

Marie Lavendier in Unionville, Ct USA 12/14/2007

No breakfast at Edis rooms in Riomggiore.Great room ,great location

John Theune in Sheboygan, Wi USA 12/05/2007

About Sorrento - I would recommend above Positano for a place to rest up after being "traveled out" in Italy as we were. Sorrento, with its main drag, was super easy to negotiate after being tired of trying to figure things out. A great respite. One note about Sorrento though - many of the restaurants we found were quite snooty. Yes their English is great, but we found many of the downtown restaurants were flat out rude to us if we didn't order like a huge splurging meal.

We also wish that in your Bolzano section covering the small towns near the German border and the Alps - you would have mentioned that sometimes there are two stops per small town. This turned out to be a big problem as we got off too early, on the first Bolzano stop - and of course were not at the correct terminal to catch a main train to Florence. This was a huge source of panic and we read carefully your part on taking smaller trains - you have to open the doors yourself, etc. But in Merano, we also had the same problem where there were two stops per town and we didn't know which one was the right stop. We're idiots.

Taya Rotering in Minneapolis, MN USA 11/30/2007

Pensione Guerrato in Venice was a tad hard to find despite the RS book directions (p832)and those from their confirmation. We walked from the train station so we came upon it differently than from the water. We found its entrance in the side alley of the the pink-ish building which faces the vegetable market. There's a horse-meat shop at its front, facing the water. They also indicate there is a new vaporetto stop nearer than the Rialto bridge stop " In order to reach our Hotel from the Venice train station, take the water boat (vaporetto) n° 82 (direction Rialto- San Marco) and get off at the Rialto stop.Cross the Rialto bridge and continue walking straight through the market area where you will see on your right the "BANCA di ROMA" bank and the clothing store called "NEVADA". After this store, turn to your right and at the end of this street "calle" you will see the sign and the entrance of our Hotel. OR We are pleased to inform you for your convenience, as of 1 February 2007, a new boat stop (vaporetto line 1) near the Pensione Guerrato (i.e., Rialto Bridge) is now open daily from 8 am until 8 pm. This stop, called "RIALTO MERCATO" is closer to the Hotel and avoids the unpleasant task of hauling heavy luggage around the city. After disembarking from the boat stop, walk under the archway directly in front of you and then turn right. Continue in this direction and turn onthe second left (there is also a sign indicating Pensione Guerrato)."

Also, the TI in front of the Duomo in Milan is a little hard to find based on the information in the book (p247), since it is downstairs from street level. A good signpost might be "to the left of the Galleria and neon green "Farmacia" sign."

Laura in Redding, USA 11/28/2007

I made reservations for the Uffizi Gallery for October 20 at 12:30 PM by telephone from the U.S. approximately one month earlier. We arrived at the Uffizi shortly after noon and waited in a line outside the reservation area until 12:30 (fair enough). After purchasing our tickets we were sent to the entrance, where we waited for another hour. Meanwhile, a couple came by and asked us where to purchase tickets. They did not have reservations. I told them I wasn't sure. Finally around 1:30 PM we entered the gallery. We rented head phones and spent approximately two hours walking through the exhibits. At the end of our visit we ran into the couple who asked me where to buy tickets earlier that afternoon. Obviously they did not have to wait much longer than we did to enter the museum (and probably didn't have to pay the additional 3 Euros). We heard about other American tourists who waited two hours to enter the Uffizi without advance reservations, which was close to our total wait time with reservations (not to mention the cost of the reservations and the telephone call). The Uffizi reservation system seems to be getting well known, so it may not provide as much of an advantage as your guidebook suggests.

Jill Grigsby in Claremont, CA USA 11/23/2007

The hours listed for Lavanderia Gabriella in Venice were incorrect - it is only open until 8pm. Also the Palio al Cinema in Siena was closed when we went in mid-October.

Shelley in St. Louis , MO USA 11/18/2007

Please add the city of Brescia to your Lombardy area Italy Guidebook. Great city that should not be missed. Fantastic history, wonderful people, great food (Osteria A Bianchi and Al Frater), great accomodations (Albergo Orologio). A city not to be missed. Also you need to cover Bergamo (including the finnucular), Lake Garda (Dicenzano and Simineone).

Stuart Karasik in San Diego, CA USA 11/13/2007

I think you should be more specific when discussing the difficulty of the Cinque Terre trail. My husband and I found portions of the trail between Corniglia and Vernazza to be very dangerous -too narrow, loose rock, a steep circular stone staircase, and in another area, a slab of stone we had to walk on that was at a 45 degree angle - one slip and we would have slid right down the cliff.

Margaret Volpe in Clifton, VA USA 11/13/2007

Update all entries on copertas and service charges

Jack Bender in Zeeland, MI USA 11/12/2007

Please indicate when the time is changed for the Italian version of daylight savings time. I was standing in line at St Mark's (Venice) wondering why they weren't opening on time. Found out why... and was first into the Basilica. But would like to have known to ask the time.

Marian in Orange County , CA USA 11/12/2007

Rome: With all of the secret ways mentioned for not standing in line, Rick fails to mention the metal detectors that have installed at all of the main tourist attractions. For example, every visitor to St Peters or the Colosseum must pass through one of two metal detectors, regardless if a ticket was purchased in advance. Thousands of people funneled through two metal detectors is a slow and chaotic process that travelers should be prepared for.

D in San Francisco, CA USA 11/11/2007

The Malpensa Express bus (Milan) now costs 6 euros. The other bus company charges 6.5 euros. The Hotel Speronari is closed for refurbishing.

Marc Harrison in Olympia, WA USA 11/11/2007

Anna of Camere Fontana Vecchia, Vernazza, told us that your listing of room rates were incorrect. For double room it's been 70euro since 2006.

ping wang in Lausanne, Switzerland 11/11/2007

You should remove Elisabettas Villino Azzurro from your list of reliable places to stay in Vernazza, Italy

James Pollock in Portland, OR USA 11/11/2007

Your telephone number in Florence for reserving time at Academia to see David is incorrect -- Pg 383 -- last 3 numbers should be 883 not 833

Alan Haberbusch in Niceville , FL USA 11/10/2007

The hike in Cinque Terre was fabulous-- but there are parts that should not be done by people who are not in good shape. The hike from Monorosso to Vernazza was beautiful but was a challenge. People should be warned what they are getting themselves into.

Alexis Bock in Washington, DC USA 11/04/2007

This is not really a correction, since Rick said to add up point-to-point costs and see if you would save money with a railpass or not, but wanted to let you all know that we did save by having one. We bought a 5-day pass and only went as far south as Rome, but I calculated we saved over $185(for 2).

Linda Hornbeck in Torrance, CA USA 11/03/2007

yes, concerning Orange House in your Italy 2007 book, page 204: althought you write that it is opened only April-September, we contacted them and the O.H. is still opened in October: we spend 4 nights there (21, 22, 23 ,24 and it was plain, but fine for the price: Piero deserves much more than what is said about him in your book: (i.e.that he does not speak english); we found him to be very welcoming, helpful (made reservations for us at Cavatappi and Hotel Milano and added the suggestion of Osteria Quatro Pass (see above); all 3 were perfect! (we have been very disappointed by Ristorante del Sole)

francine faribault in Montréal, Qc CANADA 11/02/2007

only that I would add a few notes about the hikes in the CT. The hike between Vernazza north to Monterosa is pretty difficult, steep etc. and the stretch between Corniglia and Manorala is pretty ugly for much of it, construction going on with rubble and boarded up cabins and lots of walking on a road with a wall alongside where you can't see the ocean or much of anything else.

Chere Weiss in Kelso, WA USA 10/29/2007

Your prices are too low. Italy is expensive.

David Reiser in Cadillac, Mi USA 10/29/2007

Nothing major. Some prices have increased since the last printing, but this is to be expected (e.g., public transportation in Venice and Florence is up about 20%).

Murray Duke in Ottawa, ON Canada 10/26/2007

We were in Rome in mid-October, 2007; the Vatican opening hour is 10 AM every day, not 8:45 as shown.

Carol-Lynne Mittelbusher in La Quinta, CA USA 10/23/2007

There are no short or special lines (Vatacan etc.) for "tour groups"

Frank Washburn in Orogon City, OR USA 10/22/2007

When visiting Pisa, use the Pisa S. Rossore stop. It will drop you off only 3-4 blocks from the tower. It is a small station with fewer trains but still found the trains to Firenze SMN ran every hour to 2 hours except over lunch time. Very convenient! Glad I did my own research online in addition to using Rick's book!

Stephanie Rosera in Aviano, Italy 10/20/2007

The "Leonardo Express" airport train to the Roma airport costs 11 Euros and leaves from Binario (Track) 24 which is much more convenient than tracks 25 or 26 thru 29. Also, the train is easy to spot, it is painted a different color and leaves every 30 minutes.

Mark Olsen in Flagstaff, AZ USA 10/09/2007

The price for the Leonardo Express has gone up a Euro

Cindy Baquiran in Centreville, VA USA 10/09/2007

Orvieto - the "huge free" parking lot behind the train station is closed and filled with construction vehicles.

leigh girvin in breckenridge, co USA 10/08/2007

There is no longer bus service from Varenna to Malpensa airport available.

John & Susan in St Petersburg, FL USA 10/08/2007

Food at Nello's in Siena is not cheap (but it is very good).

John Watson in Houston, TX USA 10/06/2007

In Milan, the price for the Sightseeing bus (hop on, hop off) is not E10. It's E20.

John in Los Angeles, CA USA 10/02/2007

The Roma Pass is not available at all TI's. We purchased ours at the glass building in front of Rome Termini.

Furnancefighter in Philadelphia, PA USA 09/29/2007

CitySightseeing Milano's hop-on, hop-off bus ride price was €20, not €10 as your book states.

Tony Ramirez in Huntington Beach, CA USA 09/29/2007

In the Rome Train station we could not find an information station across from tract 24 that sold the Roma Pass. It was actually the Tabacchie shop. We saw two signs for information in other areas but it for train info only.

Beth Nolan in Dover, Fl USA 09/28/2007

Roma Termini: Trains to Fiumicino aeroporto are the not last set of trains down the track. Proceed past binari 1-24, to 25-28. Beyond are last set of tracks for trains to other destinations.

John E. White in Altadena, CA USA 09/27/2007

If wanting to purchase the "Rolling Venice" Youth Discount Pass (good deal for only 4 euro)-- you must present your passport. It would help to put this in the book. Thanks!

Andrea in Brighton, MI USA 09/24/2007

Trattoria Sostanza-Troia in Florence is cash-only, which is not mentioned in the 2008 book (I just returned from a trip to Italy this past week). The restuarant was great (would definitely recommend the chicken in butter sauce - outstanding).

Ca' San Trovaso in Venice was good and we never would have found it without the directions in the book - however, when we arrived, they had a sign up that said that they were currently unable to accept credit cards. Not a problem for us, but it might be worth mentioning as it seemed this wasn't uncommon with hotels in Venice.

Jamie Nugent in Boston, MA USA 09/23/2007

I did use '06 books so you may of caught these already. The Borghese Gallery was open Monday. Nero's Golden House (Domus Aurea) was open Tuesday. Had reservations and could not find it. Gave up on taking my 70 year old mother in law up the hill a second time.

Lowell Houghton in Sylmar, CA USA 09/23/2007

It's to be expected, I suppose, that many prices had gone up between publication and our trip in April & May, 2007

Mary in Boulder, CO USA 09/22/2007

Not quite a correction but after our 1 hour hike (including stopping to ask for directons twice) to the Catacombs of Priscilla, we begged the man there that spoke English to take us on a quick tour despite the fact that it was 11:55. We had been at the Borghese Gallery and had no idea it was so far. Maybe some more information about where it is or a strong rec. to take the bus instead of walking. When he asked where we had heard about it, I said Rick Steves book. In his heavy Italian accent he asked, "The blue book?" When I said yes, he rolled his eyes and indicated that this happens quite often- "There is a bus or take a taxi. Everyone tells me the same thing." He did take us -- it was GREAT -- and we left a generous donation for the nuns.

Janet Thomson in Buttonwillow, CA USA 09/21/2007

In the 2008 Italy guidebook the phone number for booking reservations at the Uffizi Gallery did not work for me. It seems to be off by one digit. Listed in the guidebook as 011-39-055-294-833, it should be 011-39-055-294-883.

Erin Dal Ferro in Oakland, CA USA 09/20/2007

I would recommend that you provide more detailed warnings regarding climbing the Duomo. While it is a great experience, it is not for anyone who has any sort of health condiditon or suffers from clausterphobia. There are no signs that indicate this when you get there, and once you get on the climb it's almost impossible to turn around if you feel you can't make it. I'd also suggest telling people that if they aren't healthy enough to make the climb that the Boboli Gardens also offer lovely views of the city as an alternative.

Tiffany Mura in Boston, MA USA 09/18/2007

Please check on the cost of train ticket from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini, I recall being short handed with Euro to pay cash.

beth in mackenzie, TX USA 09/15/2007

Italy 2007, Cinque Terra, map of Monterosso al Mare:

The small town map on page 306 has two locations listed as number seven(7). The key lists number seven as the Hotel Souvenir. The Hotel Souvenir is the number seven in the upper right coroner, near Via Gilbarti.

[Editor's Note: Good catch! Yes, the number 7 that is shown next to the church is left over from a convent that we listed there in the 2006 edition. This has been fixed in the 2008 edition.]

Tumara Dew in San Jose, CA USA 09/12/2007

In Orvieto, Valentina's place was not where the book said it was, right near the duomo... it was very hard to find, in fact. Precise directions would help. Same with the fantastic restaurant, Trattoria Al Pozzo Etrusco, which was on Piazza Ranieri. But Orvieto is a wonderful place to get lost in! I thought the town was a bit undervalued in the book.

Carey Caccavo Wheaton in Sebastopol, CA USA 09/07/2007

The restaurant recommended in Rome near the Spanish Steps, Ristorante il Gabriello, is under renovation until Sept. Not sure if it's a correction but just thought I'd share for those who are going soon.

Abigail Navarro in Belfair, WA USA 08/22/2007

No, your guidebooks are so helpful. We booked all our hotels through your recommendations in guidebook, and were never disappointed

Sharon & Leo Marty in Olympia, WA USA 08/21/2007

A correction to your correction. The cinque-terre card DOES still cover the train between towns. The current brochure says it does, the station ticket sellers say it does, and the train conductors accept them. This is as of the first week of August 2007.

Rick VA USA 08/17/2007

We didn't take a stroller and didn't miss it. I used a wrap carrier to strap the bambino to my chest; easy on my back (he was about 20 pounds then), kept the baby happy and content, and no worrying about steps or elevators. The carrier actually served as a great source of conversation; I kept being stopped by people who would start their conversations, "Do you speak English?" (which thrilled me to no end) who wanted to ask me about it. There were so many places we went (Vernazza!) where the stroller would have been an encumbrance. We managed to fit everything for two weeks with a baby (including a nifty inflatable travel crib)into two carry-ons and a daypack. The car seat (for the plane and a week in Tuscany with a rental car) fit on the wheeled bag when we were traveling by train. So I know most people can't give up the stroller, but if you've got a carrier that works, skip the stroller and you'll be so much happier.

Kim Schultz in San Diego, CA USA 08/14/2007

Please note that the Domus Aurea does not allow children under 12 to enter. My 8 year old twins were so disappointed because we had told them how cool (literally and figuratively) it is. Also, the English tours sell out quickly. The tickets have to be puchased at the Palentine hill.

anne ozmer in atlanta, ga USA 08/09/2007

Pisa has a convenient train service to the airport. We arrived by train from Cinque Terre, checked our bags at the station while exploring the town, and then took the train to the airport. The charge was 1.10 euros.

Joanne Essenwein in Suwanee, GA USA 07/29/2007

Restaurant prices - are generally 10 - 30% higher than quoted in the 2007 Italy guidebook. It is hard to get even a pizza for dinner for less than 20 euros.

Sorrento - some of cabs do have meters. Metered ride from train station to Via Capo is now 18 euro (metered), no longer 12 euro.

I think you need to remove the "Taste liberally" from your gelato description. Few of your recommended gelaterias allow free tastes anymore. Some are charging per taste, some allow one taste only. Ones that are not recommended by you still allow more liberal tasting.

Hotel Minerva in Sorrento includes breakfast.

Marie in Oak Park, CA USA 07/27/2007

Hotel Jolanda, Sestri Levante, no longer has a swimming pool, but it is still very kid friendly and a lovely place to stay.

Charlie in Newberg, OR USA 07/26/2007

City Sightingseeing bus is now E20 vice E10, I also allow for price increases but this pushed the bus into the not worth it category for us (we did use it).

Directions to Brek are a little confusing, we exited through the left exit at the station but Brek is not a direct walk from there straight ahead. I think you started from in front of the station but it is not clear in the book. (It was closed anyway)

I fully endorse all the Last Supper comments, book months ahead.

Carnets are only a single multi-use ticket and not shareable anymore, better to buy day passes.

Steve Madsen in Bellevue, WA USA 07/23/2007

Vatican does not open at 8:45, but at 10am.

STACY NAGEL in Capitola, CA USA 07/23/2007

Most of the prices seemed a little higher than quoted in the book for public transportation (vaperetto) in Venice. A single ticket was E6, 12 hour pass was E13, 24-hour was E15 etc. Similarly the Roma pass is not E18, but E20. Not a huge problem, though!

Anu and Velu Bala-Subramanian in Westford, Ma USA 07/23/2007

In Pisa, it was difficult for us to catch a taxi from the Train station. Waited easily 45 minutes for a taxi. Then to get back to the station you must call for a taxi. That isn't easy, but one of the hotel clerks close to the Leaning tower did call for us. I didn't allow enough time, as we were then catching a train to Rome. We cut it closer that I like. Also, make sure if there are reserved seats on the trains, get them. Otherwise, you may stand for your entire trip as some of the routes are very crowded.

Kathy Brownfield in Stow, OH USA 07/19/2007

Nope. The book was worth its weight in gold. We followed the restaurant and hotel recommendations religiously, and they were all good or excellent.

Michael Crichton in Ottawa, ON Canada 07/18/2007

Yes, several. Venice: Museum Card is E13, not 12. Vaporetto rides are E6, not 5; 72-hour pass is E30, not 25. Also, the guidebook disses the area around the train station as regards hotels, but we found several down a quiet alley to the left, after walking out of the station. Good access to vaporetto stop and to the main walking street to Rialto Bridge. We loved our hotel there, but will keep it to ourselves. Rome: Vatican Museum did not open until 9:45 am for individuals on Thurs., June 28; tour groups admitted earlier. Also, I wouldn't call Caffe dello Studente, near St. Peter-in-Chains, a "cheap" eating spot; E8.50 for lunchtime pasta, E4 for soft drinks put it at the upper end of prices we found at neighborhood cafes in Rome. Cinqueterre: The 1-day 5Terre Card is now E8, not 5.40 -- a big increase. Pienza: Admission to Palazzo Piccolomini has doubled, from E3.50 to E7; at that price, we passed.

Mark Adams in Gig Harbor, WA USA 07/17/2007

One correction that I don't think has been added to any guidebooks concerning the Amalfi Coast SITA bus system. All tourists must now purchase a 5 Euro bus ticket valid for 24 hours. The 1 Euro tickets (valid for 60 minutes) and one way tickets are now only valid for residents. My wife any I found this out the hard way when an inspector got on the bus and fined us 38 Euro. Apparently, this was just implemented this summer. I just thought I would let everyone know.

Michael in Bethesda, MD USA 07/17/2007

The Autostradale tour departure point has been moved, and is now across the street from the Piazza Duomo.

Jeff Klein in Cypress, CA USA 07/13/2007

I could not find a bank that I could go inside and get money exchanged. The ATMs would not allow more than one withdrawal per day and I could not get more than 210 euros at a time. This was not due to my bank in the US. I had unlimited funds to draw from. This was very frustrating since so many places we stayed would only accept cash. I never seemed to be near an American express when it was opened or nearby. We went to Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Orvieto, Siena, Florence, Padua, and Venice. I managed not to go to a money exchange place and pay high rates but it seemed that I was always looking for ATMs and people who would accept credit cards. Why do the museums only accept cash for entrance fees but will gladly take credit in their gift shops??

Jan Lapetino in Denver, CO USA 07/13/2007

No corrections to your great books-we will NEVER go to Europe without them!!!

Todd Brown in Groton Long Point, CT USA 07/11/2007

In Assisi, the guidebook sounded like we had to catch two different buses to get from the Basilica of St. Francis up to Piazza Matteoti. We boarded at Piazza San Pietro and the driver said he was going all the way to Piazza Matteoti. We stayed on the bus and it took us right to our parking area.

Joe St. Laurent in Gresham, OR USA 07/06/2007

Italy, 2007:Page 85 Venice's Lagoon: Your description leaves the reader with the impression you have to buy a separate 10 euro ticket for Bus 41 to Murano when in fact we got on using our regular vaporetto tickets.

Otto Fafoglia in Chatham, Il USA 07/06/2007

For the Italy guidebook, please note that the Hotel Davanzati Florence) is a wonderful hotel with laptops, DVD players etc. in each room!

Only problem, listed as having an elevator...true, except that you have to climb the 23 steep steps from street level to access it.

Tessa Rodriguez in Levittown, NY USA 07/04/2007

Please check the price/price ranges noted in your travel book to Italy. The prices have gone up considerably in the 11 months between the time I read your book and went on my trip to Italy.

PAMELADEMATTEO in SPRING, TX USA 07/02/2007

It appears as though you need to show your Rick Steves guidebook to the staff at Hotel Santa Catarina in Siena before they will honor the discount. I reserved our double room at Eu165; when I pulled out the book to look up a restaurant, Andrea, unsolicited, said he would change our rate to the 145 mentioned in the book. I did overhear him on the phone deny any lower rate than 175 Euro.

L & N Liss in Salem, OR USA 07/02/2007

Rome, # 110 ATAC bus. Does not run to the Colosseuum on Sundays. Seems none of the bus lines run there on Sunday. Also, guide was a recording and seemed about 10% of the listening spots were not working.

Scot Smith in Tulsa, Ok USA 07/01/2007

GUIDEBOOK FOR VENICE, ITALY - BOOK STATED "MULTIPLE INTERNET CAFES ALL OVER VENICE". WE FOUND 2, AFTER HOURS OF WALKING AND ASKING QUESTIONS. THEY WERE VERY POORLY MARKED, ONLY SIGN WAS A PIECE OF 8 X 10 PAPER STUCK TO THE SIDE OF THE BUILDING.

TINA BECCACCIO in HARRISON, OH USA 06/29/2007

Your book makes no reference to the town of Brescia (40km west of Verona). We stayed there on our travels between Milan and Verona. The hotels were cheaper then either of those cities, there were some interesting local sites (Roman ruins, local church frescos, etc.) and a very nice cafe. It might be a good addition to your guide.

Bruce Smith in Appleton, WI USA 06/28/2007

In Sienna, the Gelataria la Costarella does not use the name "Gelataria la Costerella" on their storefront, and so it's hard to find. They use another name, something with first letter "A," which I forgot to write down. That name should be used or noted in the book. We spent almost an hour looking for this place. It was practicaly empty, across from a much more popular Gelataria with far inferior goods.

Jeff in Merced, CA USA 06/27/2007

The directions for driving into Rome from the North call for exiting at a particular exit, but we, at least, didn't seen any such indicator signs. Why not just say take the exit heading toward the airport? Driving in from the east was awful!

Jack Johannes in Philadelphia, PA USA 06/25/2007

Page#399-Arrival in Pisa-it is stated that Bus#1 takes us from Pisa Centrale Train Station to the Duomo. However, there is no more bus#1. It has been replaced by bus line LAM-Red (Rossa). This bus is very frequent- 4 to 6 per hour. We could not locate any of the Gelataria given in the book for Florence (p 374). Please check the address of Trattoria Pizzeria Nono Risorto, Venice (p 109)-this restaurent is near vaperetto stop St. Stae

Vinay Malur in Queensbury, NY USA 06/18/2007

In Rome, the train that goes to the airport now leaves from track 24 rather than track 28 or 29 as the book says. This may not sound like a big deal, but track 24 is a 10 minute walk from 28 or 29. Wouldn't want to miss your train...or your plane.

Tracey Allerton-Kuldanek in Edgewood, WA USA 06/12/2007

In Rome for a ROMA PASS not all information kiosks have it - the small one on VIA NATIONALE did not and I was directed to Termini.

Lee in Long Beach, CA USA 06/12/2007

Yes, here they are:

(1) The cost of the Caremar ferry from Sorrento to Capri was 8.80 Euros per person, not the 5.60 or so that was in your guide.

(2) On page 62, your vaporetto from the train station to St. Mark's is incorrect. We had to take vaporetto # 3.

(3) You should update the Euro/dollar conversion rates.

(4) Please advise people who are arriving from Sorrento (or Naples) in Capri to stop by the small tourist information office on the right side just before the end of the docks. That is where we learned that it is not a good idea to try to catch a bus from the dock area to Anacapri. Instead people should go to the ticket lines just to the right as the docks intersect with the land. There they should buy a "unico" ticket which will cover the funicular and the island's buses. With this ticket, they should take the funicular up to Capri and then take the bus to Anacapri. Buses run much more frequently from Capri to Anacapri than they do from the harbor.

(5) Finally I would recommend that people use an audio guide at the Colosseum in Rome. We mistakingly took the "English-speaking" tour. The guide spoke poor English, and she added nothing of interest. We and several others on the tour broke away from the group after about 30 minutes.

robert varnum in fort myers, fl USA 06/11/2007

We stayed in the Hotel Ungherese in Florence. The staff was helpful and the location was convenient to the buses, as described. We found the hotel to be a little on the "tired" side, with small things that needed attention in our room. Perhaps you could encourage the owners to do a little more upkeep in order to stay in the book.

May Kolbe in Hereford, AZ USA 06/09/2007

The Sorrento to Rome bus leaves from the Circumvesuviana Stazione, not from Piazza Tasso. The fare is 16.50 Euros, if you book in advance, although the travel agent you have to book at is in Sant' Agnello (which costs you 2 Euros in bus fare and an hour of your time. You absolutely CAN buy the ticket on board, but it costs 20 Euros (despite what the travel agent at the Aponte travel agency in Sorrento will tell you--and they don't sell the tickets there; you have to go to their other office in Sant'Agnello). The bus departs Sorrento every day, Monday through Sunday at 17:00 (5pm) The bus that leaves in the morning (6:00) only runs Monday through Friday. There is GREAT confusion over all of these points at the Visitor Info Center, as well as at my and other people's hotels. I sweated this out so you don't have to! And as always, this is southern Italy, so...things change. Also, be careful about booking on-line; the bus drivers seemed confused about the whole concept, and really wanted a paper ticket from a woman on board. She had only a confirmation number in her PDA. They let her travel, but it looked iffy there for a few minutes.

Stacy Ferratti in Richmond, CA USA 06/08/2007

The new owners of the Albergo (Hotel) Marin in Venice would not give the 5% discount for cash mentioned in your 2007 Italy book. Otherwise we liked the place very much.

Kristin Lucas in Hillsdale, MI USA 06/07/2007

I urge you to recommend taking the bus to Portofino from SML train station, it took us over an hour and was gnarly in some places where there was no pedestrian passage. I was so exhausted when we finally arrived that I ad no energy for shops or strolling, and could not bring myself to wait around an hour for the restaurants to open for dinner. It seemed a lot further than 5 km!

Juley Hull in Danville, CA USA 06/03/2007

The Uffizi cost 6.5E plus 3E for a reservation fee, not 9.5E plus 3E reservation fee.

Liz in Palmer Lake, CO USA 06/01/2007

Both pricing and exchange rates have escalated very quickly- although the book is dated 2007 many of the prices are higher than listed in the book. Life is hard!

Steve and Linda Wilhoit in Anacortes, WA USA 05/27/2007

Not specifically a correction, but a clarification regarding the day trip to Paestum. It appears from the guidebook (adding the travel times between Amalfi coast towns) that it is an easy day trip from Sorrento or Positano, etc. However, if your bus connections don't match up almost perfectly, you spend lots of extra time waiting for the next bus. For instance, three of us left at 9 or so from Sorrento, changed buses in Amalfi, then got off in Salerno to wait for the bus to Paestum which never came - so went back to Sorrento. The next day, one of our group, determined to see Paestum, left at 7:30, made almost perfect connections, and still didn't get back until almost 8 that night. So you might mention that it's truly a full long day trip and you must leave early, etc, etc.

Vicky Bartlett in Gresham, OR USA 05/22/2007

When we followed it, no problems....

Virginia and Wayne Miller in Selma,, CA USA 05/19/2007

We ate at Caffe dello Studente in Rome as recommended in the book. We wanted to let you know that all their primi piatti are frozen foods nuked in the kitchen and put on a plate. For 9 euros a pop, that's pretty steep.

Also, the Gelateria Stalin in Vernazza in the Cinque Terre was not at all "generous" with the free tastes as reported in the Italy book.

We walked in after lunch one day and were met with the stern glare of an older lady who then proceeded to deny us a taste of a flavor we couldn't identify. She just shook her head and said, as near as we could tell with our limited Italian knowledge, that we should just pick whatever we wanted but NO free tastes.

A younger woman walked in carrying some supplies, and the older lady asked her to translate the flavor's name into English for us, and the younger woman just barked "peanut" and kept about her business.

We decided to try a cone of gelato despite the shocking service since Rick recommended the place, and the gelato turned out to be pretty bad -- basically like standard ice cream that you can get back here in the States.

Gelateria Stalin is a definite NO GO. I'd tell everyone to cross that one out of the book.

Cinque Terre cards are now 5euro minimum. Cinque Terre cards with train use are now 8euro.

Matt in Los Angeles, CA USA 05/17/2007

I just booked Albergo Santa Chiara online per your book. However the rate quoted was 220 euro's per night not the 200 in your book for a double room.

john kellebrew in el dorado hills, ca USA 05/17/2007

The Venice hotel (Italy 2007, pgs 95-97), Locanda la Corte begins to use their AC starting June 1st. Their literature, web-site and your guidebook states it is air conditioned.

J P in Tampa, FL USA 05/11/2007

Just an addition--besides the staff at Hotel Chiusarelli in Siena being "indifferent" as the book states, the bells of San Domenico also start chiming at 7 am and go off again at 7:30 for about 3 minutes each time. In addition to the street noise (Rick is right about requesting a room on the back!) this made for an early start to the day.

Kate MI USA 05/07/2007

Laura, at Hotel Olivedo in Varenna, Lake Como, was not brusque at all, in fact she was exremely friendly and gracious. We witnessed her running uphill to meet the train before it left for Milan to get a pair of glasses to some guests who left them behind! What a wonderful person! Hotel Clemenceau in Nice is really run down and in disrepair, even dirty. We stayed there before and its gone downhill.

Laura and Robert Harriman in SAN DIEGO, CA USA 05/05/2007

Just thought I would pass on the word, the telephone number and fax number have been reversed in the Italy Guidebook 2007 for Hotel Siri in Naples. The telephone number is 081-554-3098 and the fax number is 081-554-3122.

Neysa Davies in Surrey, BC Canada 05/04/2007

Andreea of Lavanderia 5 Terre in Monterosso al Mare can be contacted on her cell at 320 0842607. The phone number in the 2007 Italy guidebook is wrong.

Beth in Northridge, CA USA 05/03/2007

We enjoyed staying at the Albergo Pasquale in Monterosso: friendly owners, lovely views, neat and clean rooms, and oh those freshly baked croissants every morning. BUT, please note, noise is most assuredly a problem during the seasons when you keep the windows open vs. using air conditioning. Trains, noise from the plaza below, and the fish monger setting up in the morning were all issues for us.

Robbie Grady in Hooksett, NH USA 04/29/2007

In the off season Rome and Florence are very walkable. Not as hot as exclaimed in your books.

Look at fixing your little maps. I heard more complaints from other travelers along the way that they were hard to read because of inconsistent fonts, as well as scale and abbreviations. Very hard to navigate by

Dennis Hanberg in Tacoma, Wa USA 04/21/2007

DaVinci's "Last Supper" in Milan must be booked months in advance! I called mid-april and they are fully booked until july...

nancy in dallas, tx USA 04/19/2007

Italy, 2007.On page 19, train info number given as 1 848 888 8088 is no longer in service. I called to get info on Trenitalia. Also, Trenitalia website is most difficult to purchase tickets on line within 60 day parameter; it gave me ok on my id and password but cannot get any further. Any advice you can provide in future guidebooks or now for me? I am long time user of your books and found them to be accurate.

Otto Fafoglia in Chatham, Il USA 04/19/2007

I just wonder about the Alma Domus accommodation in Siena. I have faxed them twice with no response -disappointing as it came highly recommended.

Liz Janke in Yarmouth, NS Canada 04/17/2007

In the Rome 2007 guidebook Rick has a section how to ask for certain things and to get by in Italian. The only problem we found is that when you ask in Italian they answer back in Italian and you have no idea what they're saying especially if you don't know the language. Not to mention that Italians talk pretty fast so understanding them is quite difficult. We just spoke english all the way and we still got by. Other than that, the guidebook was extremely helpful so that was a good investement. Thanks

Dana in Hermitage, TN USA 04/16/2007

You must be 15 years old to take the Scavi (Necropolis) tour at St. Peters. This is the special excavation tour of the tomb of St. Peter, not the regular grotto. No admission charge to the Pisa Duomo in April.

Angela in Sammamish, WA USA 04/15/2007

We bought F/S Trenitalia tickets at the Roma Termini station to go to Pompeii last week. The machine gave us two tickets, one to Napoli Centrale, the other to Pompeii. Following the guidebook, we got off at Naples, went over to the Circumvesuviana Local train where we were told "ticket no good, buy over there." So we bought Circumvesuvian tickets. But if we would have stayed the F/S, we could have taken the train directly to the station accross the street from the main street in downtown Pompeii. We did take the train back from Pompeii via F/S. F/S train was much nicer. You can enter the SCAVI from the Amphitheatre entrance on the edge of town, about five blocks from the train station. Town offered nice hotel: Hotel Diane Pompeii, about 1.5 blocks from F/S train station. Superb attention from Laura, beautiful rooms, nice breakfast area. Worth checking out for people wanting a place to stay in Pompeii.

Lawrence Judy in Evansville, IN USA 04/11/2007

As we were leaving Trattoria Icche C'e C'e, an American couple came in and asked Mara for a table, but she told them the kitchen closed at 22:00, even though the restaurant is open until 24:00. Italy 2007 says it's open until 24:00.

The RomaPass we purchased at the TI in Roma Termini was 20 Euro, not 18 as it says in Italy 2007.

Beth and Mike Nelson in Cumming, GA USA 04/09/2007

Rome: Internet Cafe at Piazza Barberini is closed. The sign says they moved a block down, in an alleyway off of Via Tritone. The new site is smaller (about 15 computers).

Dario G in Seattle, WA USA 04/06/2007

*We don't have the 2007 version yet as we arrived in Italy in Dec. 2006, so this may be redundant information--our apologies if it is* As of March 2007, the ACTV vaporetto rates have increased. The single fare ticket now costs 6 euros, the 24 hour pass is, I believe, 12 euros,and the 72 hour pass is now 30 euros. (Since we are here for more than just a vacation, we have a monthly pass that is greatly reduced in price--8 euros to get an id card that is valid for 3 years, then we pay 30 euros each month for a monthly vaporetto pass which includes the Mestre bus lines).

Tasha Jones in Siloam Springs, AR USA 03/31/2007

I am planning a trip to Italy and wanted to let you know about a hotel that does not honor the prices published in the 2007 Italy book.

Hotel Santa Caterina in Siena. Book states small Db for 105 euro or regular Db at 145 euros. In speaking on the telephone, the rate is 175 euros for a Db, no exceptions for the book. He did not understand why it was published.

Leigh Canavan in Atlanta, GA USA 03/30/2007

I have the book Rick Steve's Italy 2006 I have tried to use and email address on page 615...annamariaespositol@virgilio.it and it comes back as a wrong address. If you could help me on a correction, I would be grateful.

Karen in Oklahoma City, OK USA 03/25/2007

Cinque Terre daily hiking/bus riding pass is 5 euros. With the addition of the train it is 8 euros per day. Felt the hike from Vernazza to Monterosso was actually the easiest way to go rather than starting at Monterosso. The people coming up from Monterosso (even the young ones) were often out of breath and still had lots of stairs to go.

Marigail and Robert Stamnes in Seattle, WA USA 03/24/2007

When we were in The Cinque Terre, We tried to do our laundry like you suggested in you book. We were told that they had no Laundry and that we would have to go into Monterosso al Mare.

Laura Baker in Estacada, Or USA 03/22/2007

Yes you need to have the information about Hotel la Residenza in Venice. Are you aware that they have additional overflow rooms besides the 15 great rooms that ring around a luxurious lounge? We used your book for the recommendation and then booked it through them or some other arranger and ended up staying in what we would call sewer rooms. When we objected to the proprietor he pretended he did not know what we were talking about. THese rooms were located outside the main door and down some stairs. They had two fancy yellow doors with flowers painted on the outside that led to these horrible low ceiling but nicely decorated rooms that smelled like sewer. They were expensive but my husband and I got the impression that Rick Steve's would be unaware of this sham. Next time in Venice follow up on this so people are aware that they could be placed in these horrible rooms.

Susan Vander Hoek in Bainbridge Island, WA USA 03/22/2007

In Assisi, the Pizzeria/Trattoria dal Carro was closed, perhaps due to the heavy construction in Assisi. There were signs posted apologizing to the tourists, but much construction on the roads was in process. Wasn't too bad to negotiate, though, but made for a lot of dust. We were using the 2005 Italy book though - so perhaps the newer editions include this closing.

Brenda in Vicenza, Italy 03/20/2007

Website Correction: Ascension in May 25 in 2007, not May 17. The guidebook lists it correctly, but the website festival lists all seem to be wrong. Therefore, the Lemon Festival in Monterosso is May 26, NOT May 19 (alas).

[Editor's Note: Our calendar shows Ascension on May 17 for 2007. However, it was on May 25 in 2006. And we have confirmed with the Monterosso tourist office that the Lemon Festival really is on May 19 this year—it always occurs on the Saturday following Ascension.]

Amy in Siloam Springs, AR USA 03/19/2007

None. I would very highly and definitely recommend to any traveler to take and follow your book. Ours is "dog eared" and filled with highlights. It was probably the best thing we packed

Rick Bart in Taunton, MA USA 03/14/2007

Venice - Hotel Bel Sito. We were looking into prices and were quoted the official rate on the high season is euros 200 per room per night, including taxes, service and sweet continental breakfast. But because we found them in Rick Steve's book, we were offered a daily rate of euros 164 per room including taxes, service and sweet continental breakfast.

Amy Muench in Alexandria, VA USA 03/08/2007

Dear Sir I have read that you advise that you don't tip at hotels or when somebody really do something special (super job) you leave a couple or euros.... (page 36) Have you ever imagine how many families you damaged by saying this. Hotel jobs are under-paid and people literally survive on tips!! I wish you'll change your mind and tell your readers that tipping in hotels is good specially if someone helps you Ciao Alain

De la Belle in Alian, fr USA 03/04/2007

The Roma Pass for the museums in Rome is now $20 euros not $18 euros.

Annie Chan in New York, NY USA 03/03/2007

I have reseravations on Albergo Settimo Cielo in April I was advised that the $135 in the 2007 book was only for 2006 -they are charging me $140 and a 10% cash discounts

Elizabeth Lewis in Prescott, AZ USA 02/19/2007

You get charged to leave your luggage in the train station at both Pisa and in Venice. I beleive it states in one that it is free.

Ron Easson in Brampton, On Canada 02/14/2007

VicenzaTrain Station- There are no longer any lockers or luggage storage at the station. The station is being substantially renovated, and as of January 2007, they had stopped storing bags.

Tom in Lorton, VA USA 02/14/2007

It is no longer possible to book reservations to see The Last Supper in Milan online. You can confirm this by going to: http://www.cenacolovinciano.org/calendario/week.php

[Editor's Note: We found what appeared to be a few scattered online tickets on the above website. The dates available are underlined in the little calendars on the righthand side.]

Jennifer in Reinach, BL Switzerland 02/12/2007

the bus to the Leaning Tower in Pisa is .90 euro, not .85.

Jamison Fenderson in Issaquah, WA USA 01/26/2007

When you email the Hotel Speronari for reservations now you receive notice that the hotel is closed. Am very sorry, since we thoroughly enjoyed it in 2003.

Sharon Henry in Richland, WA USA 01/24/2007

I went to the website for the Albergo Etruria in Volterra. In your guidebook, on page 494, it says that prices are 70 euros for a single, and 90 for a double; however, the hotel's website says it's 50 euros for a single in low season, and 60 in high season, or for a double, 70 to 80 euros.

Andrew Horn in San Jose, CA USA 01/22/2007

Why is there no information about Sicily or Southern Italy? You have always advocated traveling off the beaten path but it seems you are going more mainstream every year. And the books are getting as thick as Let's Go and others..also against your prior philsophy!

M Lopez in San Francisco, CA USA 01/21/2007

As of Jan 1 the Cinque terre card is no longer available. The bus office next to the train station in Florence had never heard of the Fiesole card.

Garrett in Newport Beach, CA USA 01/18/2007

Not that I know of - we covered Rome, Sorrento (Pompeii included), Venice, Cinque Terre, Varenna plus 7 days at a farm in Tuscany, touring at least 8 hill towns - any mistakes were ours!

Margaret McLean in Chilliwack, BC Canada 01/12/2007

I hiked the Cinque Terre in September 2006 just as your guidebook recommends, towns 1 through 5. Unfortunately, I witnessed an elderly gentleman go into cardiac arrest at the top of the steps in Corniglia. He was Italian, about 60+, and his party was hiking about 20 paces ahead of me. When I reached the top of the 381 zigzag steps (not 370, I counted them, UG!), the man was lying in the street and in trouble. Crowds began to gather and an ambulance arrived about 20 minutes later on the one road into Corniglia. A yellow emergency helicopter arrived on the scene from La Spezia and made several attempts to lower a cot and lift him out, but departed empty 30 minutes later. It was a windy, clear and steamy day. The whole town was watching intently. I remained in Corniglia for an hour but never saw the man leave. I think he died right there, poor man.

The reason I’m telling you this story is to ask if you could strengthen the warning in your guidebook a little. I give you kudos for being the ONLY guidebook to indicate that the Cinque Terre hike is difficult. It is! I’m 42 and in good health, and I found that hiking the last two legs of the trail to be VERY difficult, like the world’s toughest stair master! I retired my poor sneakers afterward. I befriended many younger travelers on the trail who were in great shape, and they were also struggling. We all suffered through it together, and were rewarded by cooling our bare feet in the sea at Monterossa beach at sunset. Excellent memories! And I made some new friends, too.

I am particularly proud that I completed the entire hike, and in one afternoon. And I’m glad that I did it now, before I get too old to tackle it! Your Cinque Terre map and average hiking times are absolutely accurate. I felt well-informed and prepared by following your book’s advice. However we were all surprised at the difficulty level. Frankly I am shocked that there aren’t any warnings at the ticket office, and the only help available between Corniglia and Monterossa is a couple of solar-powered emergency telephones on the path. If that helicopter was ineffective at rescuing somebody from an open paved street in Corniglia, then there’s not much hope for others stranded on the trail! I think it would serve the public better if you could somehow make your warning a bit more stringent. The Cinque Terre is not just a stroll, as most guidebooks would lead travelers to believe. Perhaps you could just add an extra warning in there for the elderly or people with heart conditions. Your book is very popular, and maybe this small improvement will prevent some problems for your readers.

Sandi Tedford in Atlanta, GA USA 01/06/2007