Options
September Cinque Terre Trip 2016
My wife and I and another couple (from Maine and Virginia respectively) are taking the September trip. Never been with Tauck before but have read a lot on the website and forums and we're looking forward to the trip. Wanted to know if anyone else is going and can share any insights or preparation "nice to know" tips.
0
Comments
to a review! we took the Tauck Rome, Amalfi, and Capri tour recently. you will love every minute of a Tauck Trip! perhaps you could post a review on your return. happy travels. Sailorguy
Bring some sturdy shoes if you plan to hike in the Cinque Terre. While this is an active trip, it is not physically challenging (unless you make it so with longer hikes in the Cinque Terre). The bike ride in Lucca is a short level easy ride. The walk to the hotel and the hike on the tour (optional) in Cinque Terre are not challenging, but more than you might expect on other Tauck tours. The bus is a large Mercedes Sprinter van (like an airport shuttle), not a full size bus. It is comfortable, but the seats are smaller than a standard bus. There are two seats on one side of the aisle and one on the other. (The buses may vary from the one we used.) The trip to Carrara to see the marble quarries is great, but the roads are a little scary. They use vintage Land Rovers for this. I still would say it is an experience not to be missed. The balloon ride is beautiful and the pilot is experienced (a former airline pilot and long time balloonist) and charming. I would strongly recommend the optional balloon ride, though most in our group opted out.
Watch out for pickpockets in the Cinque Terre train stations. The platforms are often crowded and there were some young girls working the platform that the station attendant alerted us to. Keep your backpack or purse in front of you on the platform or when boarding.
By the way, during our extended stay in Florence, we took a one day food and wine tour through at company called "Walk About Florence." It was called the Chianti Wine Safari. It was fantastic. Great guide, great food and good wine. If you have a free day, I really recommend it (I have no connection to that company other than as a customer). You can book through Viator or directly at their website.
You might want to check out the Classic Italy and Classic Italy, Small Groups forums for more info about Florence and Pisa. I provided a couple of hopefully informative posts about things to see, do, and about pre-purchasing tickets- especially important if you are going early or on your own.
The name of our favorite Gelato shop in Florence is Gelateria La Carraia. It is two bridges north of the Ponte Vecchio. We went there a number of times. You will go there more than once!
We wanted to visit the Pitti Palace but it was closed that day. The Boboli Gardens was not impressive. Maybe it was the wrong time of the year. If you go, be prepared to hike uphill (and downhill). If I remember correctly, it was two or three blocks on switchbacks and inclines.
When you go to the Carrara quarry, be prepared to get wet marble dust on your shoes. Wear the shoes that you intend to throw out at the end of the tour to make room for souvenirs.
Gelateria Eduardo - across from the southeast corner of the Duomo - OMG! The best! Organic gelato made in small batches on the premises. Small selection, but outstanding. The chocolate is like frozen ganache. Small signs and not brightly lit - easy to walk right past it.
Perche No! - Our former favorite. Voted among the top 10 ice cream establishments in the world by Tauck travelers. Wide selection and good quality.
Vivoli - The original. They claim to have invented gelato. Wood paneled tradition. Their gelato is a bit too buttery for my taste, but some people swear by it. Good to check out just for the atmosphere. You pay at the cash register and then use your receipt when you order.
All of these can be found on Google Maps.
Travel Guy is wise to warn you about the Pitti Palace. We missed it on our first trip (Classic Italy) and had to go back to see it. Check the museum closing days before you go so that you can plan accordingly.
We didn't get marble dust on our shoes. It was foggy and rainy that day, making it even more of a thrill ride.
Hiking the Cinque Terra and the quarry tour were my highlights.
We arrived a couple days early and also did a WalkaboutFlorence cooking class and a Fiat tour. It was also a blast. There's never enough time to see all that you would like, but adding a few days in Sienna or the Cinque Terra was a consensus amongst our group.
I know you didn't direct your questions to me, but I thought I'd jump in with answers anyway.
Restaurant suggestions in Florence: La Grotta di Leo - easy walk from the hotel. Casual restaurant and pizzeria with a wide menu. Friendly with a mix of locals and tourists. Very reasonable.
Also, the Mercado Centrale has a food court upstairs (the downstairs is the food market). Good food, wide selection and open late. Good for lunch or a quick dinner. Be sure to check out the market during the day.
Your tour director will give you a list of restaurants, as well.
When we booked with WalkAbout Florence, we booked on their website. With my credit card (no currency conversion fee) it was a few dollars cheaper to do it this way. If your card charges a fee for conversion, Viator will be cheaper. You can also book when you're there (they have an office on a street behind the Palazzo Vechio -see Google maps). Personally, I'd book ahead to be sure of a space.
70s sounds about right, but it could be a little warmer or cooler. Be sure to be prepared for rain.