Most liked posts in thread: So now what....Italy?

@Allotment Bantam is the one for advice regarding Vietnam I believe she's been.

 

Going to Bolton le sands for a day in 2 weeks...!!

 

Another voice in favour of Italy here. I've usually been there for professional reasons, but have managed some touristy activities as well. There is a beautiful chaos to the place that is definitely a shock to the system of an orderly and restrained Northern European like myself, but once one gets over that the country just draws one in and keeps hold of one. Rome and Naples are alive; you just have to get into the rhythms of the places.

Most of my time there has been spent in and around Rome; if you are interested in the ancient Roman (and Greek) worlds, you can barely move there without coming across something relevant. The main ones are obvious, but some of the smaller ones are well worth a visit: e.g. the Villa Giulia museum for the Etruscans; an offshoot of the Capitoline Museums, the Museo Montemartini, for ancient sculpture. This last is really interesting, as the building used to be a major power station. They have left the old machinery in the site, and installed the sculptures in and around. It proved so successful that what was to be a temporary stopgap whilst the Capitoline Museums were being renovated has ended up being a permanent museum.

Outside Rome, Pompeii (and Herculaneum) get all the press, and the crowds. I'd recommend Ostia Antica, where you can wander round the ancient city all by yourself, almost, and just imagine. At least, it was always fairly empty when I was there, but I haven't been for years and years.

Train journeys can be very scenic indeed. I've done the Lausanne-Rome route a few times, which is great for Alpine scenery. If that is your thing, and you're based in the north (Milan and surrounds), then I'd highly recommend the little run between Domodossola and Locarno in Switzerland. From there on to Bellinzona, and either north to the rest of Switzerland, or back south to Milan. Rome-Ancona is interesting too, getting you across the spine of Italy to the other coast.

RCB

 

Alpe D’Huez again for the Tour de France. First time they’ve been up it in 4 years. Will take our city flag again for Dutch corner.

 

Completely agree. Travelled round Italy a few times. Flew to Nice cheaply and caught the train along the med coastline through Turin down to Rapallo. Portfino is Milan on holiday in the summer we were told. It’s amazing. Cinque Terre on the coastline. The towns cut into the cliffs. Down to Lucca. Amazing walled city. Close to Firenze and Pisa for days out. Roma is fabulous and the city itself isn’t huge to get around. And there are the lakes which are fab too. Favourite European country by far.

 

You won't regret going to Lucca. As well as the picturesque architecture the food is really good, as is the shopping.

 

I know , deep down I’m a softie…Thanks …we will hopefully enjoy her as much as our other lab.

 

We went to Lucca in 2019. Stunning place, stayed there for a week and used it as base to go to Pisa, Florence, and other places. The amphitheatre is absolutely marvellous and we ate there a couple of times.

See @Bigrod I can do culture ! Off to Verona this year. Downside is it's September so may well miss a home match.

 

For anybody not going to Italy but Germany, a great deal here. €9 for monthly pass across regional/ local trains. Important to emphasise it’s for local and regional trains only - not Intercity (IC).

https://www.bahn.com/en/offers/regional/9-euro-ticket-en

 

The European states know how to use and are aware of the importance of top class public transport system and the vital part it plays in improving the GDP of their nations. We are frankly light years behind.

 

Walking, beer and village cricket hopefully in the sun

 

Going to Cyprus for 4 weeks tomorrow just 8 weeks left to fill

 

UFC of course!

 

Wife wants another…..
Decision made then!

 

Muscles.... No thanks young man...

I do enjoy the trains, particularly those that take in the beautiful countryside. Can't beat a journey up through The Dales on the way to Carlisle for the races (York this Friday!!!)

Staying close to the old town, about 5 minutes from the Grand Palace and Manneken Pis (I'm suspicious I'll be enthralled by a young lad taking a p**S)...

Cheers

 

Thats a good point, when I go to Europe I find the towns and cities so much more enjoyable than over here.

 

When I went to Paris I threw up in a bin in the airport due to a disgusting smell, the whole city felt like that for me but for the normal tourist spots. One of the most overrated city’s going for me. South of France is stunning mind, but you’ll struggle to find a more expensive country!

 

Sweden and Denmark are outstanding, fortunately it was on full expenses! What’s not to like?