Italy: Viva Italia Meets Thread

[Rapunzellover]

You're getting me so excited, Kristilew, about doing this in May. Gonna be so fun!

PS-- planning a day trip to Pompeii and Vesuvius during one of my pre-days. Anyone done this?

 

[silmarg]

We did the Pantheon and the Forum with the ABD, though not a lot of time in the Forum. It was closing as we got there - Dusty was literally holding the turnstile for us. I think closing is timed with dusk, so if you are not going in December, as we did, you will surely have more time there!

I believe we met at 7:30 for the evening Vatican tour. It might have been 7. Not late enough to eat before, I remember that! We did have the entire afternoon and early evening on our own, so if there are earlier masses, you'd be fine.

We did not climb anything at St. Peters, so yes, do that on your own. If you are doing plenty of other stuff on your predays, it might make the most logistical sense to plan to go back and do that after the Castel Sant'Angelo, when you are let loose on your own. This is the day you do the interior of St. Peter's and also the day you have your night tour. (Day 3, Let's Be Civilized) That way you avoid lots of backtracking, and on your predays you could do more in-city stuff.

We really enjoyed the Capuchin Crypts, which I don't see on your list. Well, maybe not "enjoyed" but we did find them fascinating and worth an hour!

This is a fabulous Adventure - you will love it!

Thx so much. This is exactly what I was looking for.

So on day 3 we start at St Peters.... do Castel Sant'Angelo... then we are on our own until 7PM for the Vatican Museum tour... So that afternoon I could find a mass someplace, climb the dome. and grab a panini somewhere... perfect.

Day 2 must be crazy busy.... Forum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Colosseum. Phew... I need a nap!

I may well do the Capuchin Crypts or some other things in central Rome on my pre-days... Thx!

 

[silmarg]

You're getting me so excited, Kristilew, about doing this in May. Gonna be so fun!

PS-- planning a day trip to Pompeii and Vesuvius during one of my pre-days. Anyone done this?

Are you planning to do this on your own or w a guide (from Rome)? While I haven't done it tied in w an ABD... I have been to Pompeii in the past.

It is possible doing this all via train... but dealing w the riff raff in Naples train station can leave something to be desired ( think I can say riff raff since I am of Neopolitan decent). I am spending several pre-days near Naples and I too plan to see Pompeii, Paestum and hopefully a little of Sorrento/Amafi. But our plan is to rent a car while in southern Italy.

 

[Rapunzellover]

I was planning on using walksofitaly or darkrome for Pompeii, skipping the train. I have heard the Naples train is sketchy, so figured I'd skip it.

 

[silmarg]

I was planning on using walksofitaly or darkrome for Pompeii, skipping the train. I have heard the Naples train is sketchy, so figured I'd skip it.

Probably not a bad idea. Centrale station in Naples is the pits. And the prices quoted by your two guides seem fair to me. Enjoy it!

 

[Rapunzellover]

I'm a solo female, so I have got to watch out for myself. Anyone know anything about the other train stations, such as Roma Termini and Venice S. Lucia, or Florence S. Maria Novella? Are they as bad?

 

[silmarg]

I'm a solo female, so I have got to watch out for myself. Anyone know anything about the other train stations, such as Roma Termini and Venice S. Lucia, or Florence S. Maria Novella? Are they as bad?

As a broad generalization, in Italy the further north you are, the better the locals treat the tourists. I would say the same holds true for the rail stations. Naples generally worse than Rome. Rome is worse than Florence or Venice...

But I would feel fairly safe in Rome, Florence and Venice stations (as safe as say Penn Station in NY or Union Station in DC)

 

[GAN]

I'm a solo female, so I have got to watch out for myself. Anyone know anything about the other train stations, such as Roma Termini and Venice S. Lucia, or Florence S. Maria Novella? Are they as bad?

Rome is SO busy ...thus mostly safe other than potential pickpockets. Florence seemed very safe(during the day). And I can't speak for Venice.

 

[GAN]

Thx so much. This is exactly what I was looking for.

So on day 3 we start at St Peters.... do Castel Sant'Angelo... then we are on our own until 7PM for the Vatican Museum tour... So that afternoon I could find a mass someplace, climb the dome. and grab a panini somewhere... perfect.

Day 2 must be crazy busy.... Forum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Colosseum. Phew... I need a nap!

I may well do the Capuchin Crypts or some other things in central Rome on my pre-days... Thx!

My wife and I did the Vatican at night several years ago -we really enjoyed it. Lower crowds means a much more relaxed pace. I'm assuming you have transportation arranged after the Tour? It can be tricky getting a cab from there at that time of night -depending on which night, I suppose.

Regarding a Mass, I would highly suggest it. While we aren't "highly" religious, we always try to catch a service when on vacation. It's always been a great experience and it's nice to meet just "average" folk. We were in London this fall and we're lucky enough to catch a service at Westminster -after, we got to chat a bit with John Hall, who conducted the service for the marriage of William and Kate ...which we didn't realize until after we got back that night. So you never know who you will meet!

 

[kristilew]

My wife and I did the Vatican at night several years ago -we really enjoyed it. Lower crowds means a much more relaxed pace. I'm assuming you have transportation arranged after the Tour? It can be tricky getting a cab from there at that time of night -depending on which night, I suppose.

GAN, they will not need to worry for one minute about transportation - that is the beauty of an ABD! They will be delivered to the Vatican museum doors after it has closed, and just the ABD group will be taken on a completely private tour through the museum to the Sistine Chapel, then back out. The Disney bus will be waiting for them. There will be no crowds and no worries!

 

[GAN]

GAN, they will not need to worry for one minute about transportation - that is the beauty of an ABD! They will be delivered to the Vatican museum doors after it has closed, and just the ABD group will be taken on a completely private tour through the museum to the Sistine Chapel, then back out. The Disney bus will be waiting for them. There will be no crowds and no worries!

That's the way I've always understood it, but for some reason when I read the message it sounded like they were on their own until they met at the Vatican Tour. It will definitely be nice to have the whole museum to yourself!

 

[Tamsfrodo]

So excited! We have signed up for the Italy trip for my husband, myself, and our DS who is 10 years old. We arrive in Rome a day early, on July 5th, 2015! Anyone else going? This is our first ABD!

 

[sayhello]

So excited! We have signed up for the Italy trip for my husband, myself, and our DS who is 10 years old. We arrive in Rome a day early, on July 5th, 2015! Anyone else going? This is our first ABD!

Welcome to the DISBoards and the ABD Forum. Congrats on booking your first ABD! Be warned they are highly addictive, so it may not be your last!

I've added you to the Roll Call on the first post of this thread. There aren't any other DISers listed for your date yet, but there's still a lot of time until July!

Sayhello

 

[Tamsfrodo]

Congrats! When will you be going?

We will arrive at the hotel on July 5th, and the adventure starts on the 6th.

 

[Pinkflmngo]

I am thrilled to say that my daughter and I are booked for the October (Ottobre, that is) 5-13 trip!!! We booked last night and can hardly believe it. It is not only our first ABD trip but also our first trip to Europe!! This has been our dream for a long time and now we are really doing it. The trip is to celebrate earning her MBA at the end of the summer.

Hello to huntergreen10 and husband who I see are already booked. FYI, as of last night there are 20 people including us. They can take up to 44 people but the agent said not to worry at all about it being cancelled. She said that this is a lot of people this early and they never get 44 people anyway. I hope that is true. I have been so worried after reading the trip cancellation thread.

Buona giornata a tutti!!
Lynda (Champaign, IL) and Elena (my daughter who works at WDW)

 

[sayhello]

I am thrilled to say that my daughter and I are booked for the October (Ottobre, that is) 5-13 trip!!! We booked last night and can hardly believe it. It is not only our first ABD trip but also our first trip to Europe!! This has been our dream for a long time and now we are really doing it. The trip is to celebrate earning her MBA at the end of the summer.

Hello to huntergreen10 and husband who I see are already booked. FYI, as of last night there are 20 people including us. They can take up to 44 people but the agent said not to worry at all about it being cancelled. She said that this is a lot of people this early and they never get 44 people anyway. I hope that is true. I have been so worried after reading the trip cancellation thread.

Buona giornata a tutti!!
Lynda (Champaign, IL) and Elena (my daughter who works at WDW)

Congratulations! ABD is a *FABULOUS* way to do a first trip to Europe! I'm sure you & your daughter will love her celebration trip!

Sayhello

 

[Tamsfrodo]

Congrats! When will you be going?

The trip is for July 6-1th. We are arriving on July 5th, however. Can't wait!

 

[huntergreen10]

Hello to huntergreen10 and husband who I see are already booked. FYI, as of last night there are 20 people including us. They can take up to 44 people but the agent said not to worry at all about it being cancelled. She said that this is a lot of people this early and they never get 44 people anyway. I hope that is true. I have been so worried after reading the trip cancellation thread.

Buona giornata a tutti!!
Lynda (Champaign, IL) and Elena (my daughter who works at WDW)

Hello! I look forward to meeting you. I can't wait for the trip. This will be our first time in Europe. I really hope it doesn't get cancelled either. I would be heartbroken. Congrats on your daughter's graduation!!! What a wonderful way to celebrate it.

 

[richflour]

We are on a trip that has only 14 (44 days out) ,and its going . So I doubt they will cancel a trip with 20
Have fun (just a warning the first day is very busy , lots of walikng )

 

[Teebee41]

Please post here if you would like to talk with anyone else who has signed up to travel to Italy with ABD.

You can also share information/ask questions about the Italy: Viva Italia ABD.

Please try and keep this thread on topic to discussion and questions about the Italy ABD. Off topic posts will be deleted or moved.

Thanks!
Sayhello

Roll Call:

Current:

• May 25 - Jun 2, 2015 - Rapunzellover
• Jul 2 - 10, 2015 - fosterkittymom, husband, daughter (14), mother, stepfather, & aunt.
• Jul 6 - 14, 2015 - Tamsfrodo, husband & DS (10)
  
• Jul 30 - Aug 7, 2015 - silmarg (Sil), DW (Margaret Ann) & 2DDs Lauren (15) & Rosie (13).
• Sep 3 - 11, 2015
  • - stacyz & husband (John)
  • - minnie4ever
• Sep 14 - 22, 2015 - Becky Rou (Becky) & Anthony
• Oct 5 - 13, 2015
  • - huntergreen10 & husband
  • - Pinkflmngo (Lynda) & daughter (Elena)

Previous:

• Jun 10 - 18, 2012 - Hermi, DH, DS (15) & DD (13)
• Jun 28 - Jul 6, 2012 - Jlou, DH, DS(16) & DD(12.99)
• Jul 9 17, 2012
  • - mickeee & family, daughter (11) & son (21)
  • - mapsd & family, 2 daughters (9 & 11)
  • - GregThom, wife & 2 daughters (14 & 10)
  • - Rmmc07 & DD (8)
• Oct 7 - 15, 2012 - pandw & husband
• May 9 - 17, 2013
  • - wdwtheplacetobe & Alacrity
  • - AquamarineSteph & 'Better Half'
• May 16 - 24, 2013 - Disneyfam24 (1 mom and ka (12m))
• Jun 30 - Jul 8, 2013 - chanibusti CVO Kim, DH Pradeep, DS7 Deven, DD6 Nora
• - Kez250 (Kerry), DH Stephen, DS Ben (11), DD Imogen (10 by the trip)
• Jul 28 - Aug 5, 2013 - flagfred, dh, dds (16) & (13)
• Aug 11 - 19, 2013
  • - Skaminsk, wife, daughter (will be 7)
  • - Lydsmom, with 8 yo daughter, husband
• Aug 18 - 26, 2013 - cindy2494 (Cindy), DH Don, DD Jess (19) & DD Sabrina (13)
• April 18 - 26, 2014 - cancelled
• May 18 - 26, 2014 - OMD13 & DH
• May 26 - Jun 3, 2014
  • - Dad (richflour) & daughter (9)
  • - georgiagirl2, DH, DS (17) & DS (15)
• Jun 5 - 13, 2014
  • - mmhoover, husband & two children (10 & 11)
  • - Eileenct, husband, daughter (10) & son (5)
• Jun 8 - 16, 2014
  • - pihanettie, DD (10) & DS (9)
  • - kpnittany, husband & 2 sons (14 & 11)
• Jun 19 - 27, 2014 - kanadar, sister & Dad
• Jun 22 - 30, 2014 - twentyco & daughter
• Jun 26 - Jul 1, 2014 - BSKE4fun, DH, DD (13) & DD (18)
• Jun 29 - Jul 7, 2014 - Curlygirlinsm, DH & DD (10)
• Jul 10 - 18, 2014
  • - Heather (CrazyZeus1), hubby Jeff & son Reese (11)
  • - Liz (MKTowerView) & Mom (Mari)
• Jul 17 - 25, 2014 - Jenncram, DH, DS 12, DS 9 (almost 10)
• Oct 11 - 20, 2014 - tracyv & husband
• Dec 21 - 29, 2014 - kristilew, DH, & DD (17)

Teebee41 DW 3DD (13, 9 & 7) and DS (13) July 23-July31