Why Italy

Going to Italy at the end of the year (November, December). Advice? I have several questions?

OK, so I'm going to Italy. SO EXCITED! I am going for two/three weeks. I am learning Italian (started three weeks ago) Do you think that I will be able to speak passable/good Italian by the end of the year if I try very hard? What are "must visits" in Italy? I want to see the real Italy as well as the tourist side of Italy. What are activities that I and my family should do? Any good stories or experiences that you want to share with me? Anything!! Tell me everything! I am so excited, and cannot wait and have to book soon, so any adivce would be so helpful! Thank you so much!! PS I am Australian. We are visiting alot of other European countries as well, but, to my insistance, are staying the longest in Italy. :-)

Public Comments

1. I spent 3 mos. studying Italian before my trip and I did quite well, I think, at understanding others as well as making myself understood. If you've taken French or Spanish in school it will help because there are a lot of similarities. Try to spend more than just a day in Venice. So many people just hit the tourist spots - Piazza San Marco, etc. and then leave. The longer you spend in Venice the more amazing things you discover. It's a fun place to just wander around and explore - visit Murano, Burano and Torcello too - beautiful little islands in the lagoon around Venice. Also, don't miss Florence. It's so beautiful. And try the east coast - lots of little seaside resorts that are fun.
2. ok im aussie too! but italian/greek - so let me give you a hand. First, speaking Italian is not requirement - alot of people speak italian - so if you are lost ask someone - probably speak to younger people - cause most younger, educated people will speak. you can get a phrasebook to help also. :P Here are places you gotta go! I will order it by city name: Milan – Gothic Catherdral, Piazza Del Duomo, Santa Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper), Sforza Castle, La Scala and Teatro alla Scala Museum, Bologna – Tomb St Francis, Church of St. Mary. Rome – Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.Trevi Fountain, Baths of Caracalla, Castel Sant’Angelo - Aurelian Walls, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Temples of Ancient Rome, Arch of Constantine, Trajans market, Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Circus Maximus, Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, Capitoline Hill, Roman 7 Hills, Venice: Piazza San Marco, Grand Canals, San Gimiganno, St. Marks Bassilica & Square, Bridge of Sigh, Florence: Piazza Del Duomo, Piazza del Dumo, Piazza della Singoria, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, Uffizi Gallery, Galleria Dell’Accademia, The Museo - Michelangelo Depending on how long you go and where you go - im sure it will be great whatever you do. Just be aware of pickpockers in Italy (espec. Milan) because alot of immigrants and poor italian target Tourists.
3. I've visited Rome, Naples, Isle of Capri, Sorrento and Florence and Pompeii and Venice. I recommend all of them except Naples. Rome was my favorite as far as touristy Italy - so many neat things there, the Colliseum, Trevi Fountain, etc. Sorrento and Florence are absolute beautiful. The Isle of Capri is gorgeous as well and nice because you have to take a boat to get to it. Venice is very crowded and touristy but I still enjoyed it because it's neat seeing the buildings actually sitting below the water line.
4. The best advice can be obtained at http://www.italianproperties.org/contact.html Why? The English speaking webmaster of this site knows Italy very well as she grew up there and knows all areas.
5. Good luck! You'll be able to get around Italy using Italian by the end of this year. For some great Italian lessons have a look at http://www.italianpod101.com Have a great time!