I'm doing scads of research on Italy right now. I'll have lots more to share when I get back from my trip in June.
Luci wrote: One can get around in Florence extremely easily by foot, and the trains are easy and inexpensive in Italy. I recommend going first-class by train (doesn't cost much more at all).
Florence is beautiful but DO NOT drive in the city. It is absolutely awful. It took us almost 2 hours to find parking and driving around the scooters was like being in a swarm of bugs. My wife and I are from NYC so we drive very defensively amid all the taxi cabs but Florence was a nightmare!
Oh, and a non-Dei Mori comment: buy the book _Cheap Eats in Italy_ -- it was well worth the cover price because it led us to excellent restaurants in Florence, Venice, & Rome. Not all "cheap" but certainly all good values, and not the usual tourist fare.
For those without web access, contact Dei Mori: Via Dante Alighieri 12, 50122 Firenze I t a l y Tel/Fax +39.55.211438 deimori@bnb.it
I haven't lived in Rome but I've traveled there recently. I found a real cheap hotel that caters to backpackers and the like. Nothing fancy by any means but clean and cheap and English speaking employees. There's also a grocery store right downstairs. Basically, it's pretty expensive in Rome but deals can be found. I bought from the grocery store and ate in a lot. As far as eating, there are plenty of non-meat dishes and veggies though I don't think they really cater to the vegetarian eater like we do in the US. You shouldn't have a problem finding meatless dishes. Below is the info for the hotel:
Hotel Il Castello
Via Vittorio Amedeo Il, 9
00185 Roma
Tel - 06-77-20-40-36
Fax - 06-70-49-00-68
Where it is and how to get there. BTW, if anyone stays there it looks pretty grim from the outside but it's clean and safe on the inside. I met some very nice people there.
From Fiumicino, take a direct train to central station Termini
From Termini, take the subway, Line A, to Manzoni (two stops)
Take exit San Quintino to get back on street level
Walk up street San Quintini and Hotel Il Castello is located on the first street on the left.
Please be forewarned, if you want to be spoiled, this is NOT the place for you. :-)
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