Hello my husband and I are planning on visiting Italy for about 12 days(feb 09-18). Our tentative plan right now is to visit Venice, Florence, Rome, and Monte Carlo(Maonaco). We plan on being in Venice for the carnival (first 2 days). Can someone please tell me what the weather is going to be like in Feb? reasonable /cheap hostels in these cities? Can we get by speaking only in English? Any tips on do’s and don’t? must see places? Any information to help us see as much as we can in these 10 days? Any idea how much gondola rides cost, i‘ve been told they are expensive? Thanks in advance
Melbourne is the best place ever. It's much better than Sydney because it's cheaper there and summer is best to go because it's nice and fresh by the sea and you can have tons of fun shopping in Melbourne and browsing and taking public transport around the city for only $5 all day. I'm From Melbourne and please visit us coz Sydney has been very soggy and poor and it's really expensive in Sydney compared to Melbourne. From Katie T (Melbourne citizen)
It will be cold in Venice in February. And you can get by speaking English. And when in Venice don't stay in Venice, stay on one of the Islands around the city. Much cheaper and the transportation to the city is a boat bus!! They run all night and they are very convenient. Florence, I lived there for three years, see everything!! Walk the streets, the whole city is history. Same for Rome, don't waste time with museums this trip, the lines are so long you'll never see enough to make it worth while. Just remember don't worry about what you don't see, it's all new! If you want to stay in Venice two more days because you're having fun, stay!! It's that easy. Don't feel like your missing anything because it's all new!! And you have to have a reason to come back soon, right?!! Venice during Carnival is one of the most romantic times and places I have ever been, the true stereotypical Romantic Venice is then. I'm taking my girlfriend there too!!! And Monte Carlo is fabulous, just don't gamble your life away!!! And don't forget to take your time and enjoy this very wonderful, special time of your lives!!! Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, the Romans say if you toss in a coin, you'll return to Roma!! Buona Fortuna!! A presto amici!!! Ciao!!
You can generally get by with English in Venice, Florence, and Rome. (I've never been to Monte Carlo.) Do, however, buy a small guide to learn certain vocabulary, just to please the locals. I recommend checking out some traveling guides and buying your favourite before you go. These guides generally cost around $20, but are priceless. They'll inform you of traditional/favorite tourist sites as well as restaurants and hotels local to those sites, include prices and sometimes reviews. In Venice, be sure to enjoy the glassmakers and lacemakers. Gondola rides are fun, but relatively short. The cheapest are 20 Euros, and the price will go higher. Rides may be cheaper if you try to find a gondola company away from the main walkways and tourist areas. If you plan on doing any shopping from street vendors who sell rip-off versions of fashion name bags/belt/clothing, keep in mind that the Venice police are cracking down on illegal vendors and anyone who buys from them as well. Florence has some wonderful walks and views! Make sure to visit alot of the art in that area, and partake in some of the shopping as well. Rome should include a visit to the Forum and either a paid-for or self governed tour of the old tourist sites. Food in Rome wasn't that great, I found, if trying to save money. Small diners and places made you pay alot for cheap food. If you plan on visiting the Vatican, keep in mind that you need to wear clothing that goes beneathe your knees and keep your shoulders covered. P.S. Be prepared to indulge in alot of gelato, Italy's amazing frozen ice cream. It's delicious. Always try more than one flavour.
