Dis Exclusive Viva Italia 9/16 - 9/24/2014

[MinnieGarden]

Ok, boss' trip is starting to take shape and my February travelers are back. I'm compiling lists for Rome and Florence and will post when I have something reasonable.

So far, I've heard about a fabulous hole in the wall wine bar very close to our hotel in Rome, and a spectacular, not to be missed vineyard in Florence. That's just the tops of the hills, much more to come!

At the moment, I'm focused on wine, later it will be shopping!

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Ok, boss' trip is starting to take shape and my February travelers are back. I'm compiling lists for Rome and Florence and will post when I have something reasonable.

So far, I've heard about a fabulous hole in the wall wine bar very close to our hotel in Rome, and a spectacular, not to be missed vineyard in Florence. That's just the tops of the hills, much more to come!

At the moment, I'm focused on wine, later it will be shopping!

Can't wait to hear more, Christy!!!

Laurie

 

[k5jm]

Kevin/John, any input on good restaurants based on your past travels?

And, Ladies, behold the LV Camera Bag...

It can be yours for the mere price of $3500.00.

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Kevin/John, any input on good restaurants based on your past travels?

And, Ladies, behold the LV Camera Bag...

It can be yours for the mere price of $3500.00.

Who needs this when I travel with my own paparazzi???

Laurie

 

[DisneyKevin]

Kevin/John, any input on good restaurants based on your past travels?

And, Ladies, behold the LV Camera Bag...

It can be yours for the mere price of $3500.00.

Ladies?????

The Damier Graphite line is marketed to men. You need this Mike.

We have found that the food / restaurants / prices are better once you leave the tourist/monument/attraction area.

You will find better food and pricing a couple of blocks from the Trevi Fountain than you will right next to it.

We found a pizza place in Venice that is a couple of blocks from the hotel. I can not tell you the name of it, but I can show you how to get there.

 

[NYC MM]

Hello Fellow Travelers

John and I are wondering if anyone would like to join us on a visit to the Tomb of St Peter and the Necropolis. We are looking into going on Monday Sept 15 sometime in the morning ( depending upon the times available at the Vatican ). I have contacted the Scavi Office at the Vatican already and in order to get a private tour in English, I have to submit at least 12 names, I have 4 already. I have attached the details of the Tour and the price . Send me back a note here with the names of anyone who is interested - (I need your full names) Let me know if you are interested. The prices are listed below and I am willing to lay out the money in order to secure the date and time
Thanks
Micki

Visits to the Tomb of Saint Peter and the Necropolis
under the Vatican Basilica



Special visits to the necropolis underneath the Basilica, where the tomb of St. Peter is located, are only possible following special permission granted from time to time by the “Fabbrica di San Pietro”. Visits are organized according to the schedule set by the Excavations Office.


- In order to preserve this exceptional historical, archaeological site and due to the limited premises around the venerated tomb of the Apostle Peter, only around 250 visitors per day are permitted to enter.

- Groups are composed of approximately 12 people and according to language.

- Only those who are 15 years or older will be admitted – no exceptions will be made.

- Each group is accompanied by a guide especially trained by our office.
The guided visit lasts about an hour and a half.

We kindly inform all visitors to the necropolis that environmental conditions will be different underground, with possible increase of temperature and humidity. Those who suffer specific and serious physical problems that could be effected by these conditions, including claustrophobia, should not visit.


Virtual Visit:

Explore the Vatican Necropolis online by clicking the following link:
http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/necropoli/scavi_english.html



RESERVATIONS:

Requests, if possible, should be sent directly by the interested visitor/s. If the person submitting the request is not the actual visitor, he or she should send the visitor(s) name(s) and e-mail address(es). This will allow the Excavations Office to replay back to the person requesting the visit and to the visitor with specific information about the visit granted.

Those leading groups (universities, parishes, cultural associations, agencies, and other groups) should send a complete list of names of the participants and the name of their organization.

There are no set deadlines for submitting requests. All requests, even urgent ones, will be fulfilled depending on the places left available at the closest date to the one requested.

Requests may be submitted in written form by sending a message to scavi@fsp.va, by fax +39 06 69873017, or by visiting the Excavations Office in person (using the south

entrance, just outside of the Colonnade).

It is absolutely necessary to provide the following information:

1. Exact number of participants;
2. Names of participants;
3. Language requested;
4. Possible dates *when the Excavations Office can assign your visit (the time will be determined by the Office). *please always write in full the name of the month (e.g.: from 01 January 2013 to 08 January 2013)
5. E-mail address, or fax number, or a complete postal address.



ENTRANCE FEE:

The cost of the individual ticket, including the contribution for the Guide, is 12,00 Euros(approximately $ 15.50 USD)

[From January 1, 2013: The cost of the individual ticket is 13,00 Euros(approximately $ 16.50 USD)].

No reductions in price will be given for any reason.


REGULATIONS DURING VISITS:

Arrive at the Excavations Office at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time of the visit.

Clothing should be appropriate for a sacred place: long trousers/slacks/jeans for men; dresses that reach below the knees or long trousers/slacks/jeans for women; shoulders must be covered for all.

Entrance to the Excavations Office is only through the gates located on the Via Paolo VI (outside of the Colonnade, just to the south

, near the entrance to the General Audience Hall.) Upon arrival, present the Swiss Guards with your letter of confirmation received from the Office which indicates the scheduled time of your visit.



Depositing prohibited items:

The following objects are absolutely prohibited during the visit:
luggage / large bags
backpacks /cameras

These [and similar] objects must be deposited before reaching the Office.

A DEPOSIT area free of charge for these objects is available to the right of the façade of the Basilica at ground floor level of the Basilica's premises passed the security check areas. We are glad to provide this service and the objects deposited are supervised by our staff.

Anyone who does not observe these regulations will not be allowed to participate in the visit.​

 

[apurplebrat]

Hello Fellow Travelers

John and I are wondering if anyone would like to join us on a visit to the Tomb of St Peter and the Necropolis. We are looking into going on Monday Sept 15 sometime in the morning ( depending upon the times available at the Vatican ). I have contacted the Scavi Office at the Vatican already and in order to get a private tour in English, I have to submit at least 12 names, I have 4 already. I have attached the details of the Tour and the price . Send me back a note here with the names of anyone who is interested - (I need your full names) Let me know if you are interested. The prices are listed below and I am willing to lay out the money in order to secure the date and time
Thanks
Micki

Visits to the Tomb of Saint Peter and the Necropolis
under the Vatican Basilica



Special visits to the necropolis underneath the Basilica, where the tomb of St. Peter is located, are only possible following special permission granted from time to time by the “Fabbrica di San Pietro”. Visits are organized according to the schedule set by the Excavations Office.


- In order to preserve this exceptional historical, archaeological site and due to the limited premises around the venerated tomb of the Apostle Peter, only around 250 visitors per day are permitted to enter.

- Groups are composed of approximately 12 people and according to language.

- Only those who are 15 years or older will be admitted – no exceptions will be made.

- Each group is accompanied by a guide especially trained by our office.
The guided visit lasts about an hour and a half.

We kindly inform all visitors to the necropolis that environmental conditions will be different underground, with possible increase of temperature and humidity. Those who suffer specific and serious physical problems that could be effected by these conditions, including claustrophobia, should not visit.


Virtual Visit:

Explore the Vatican Necropolis online by clicking the following link:
http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/necropoli/scavi_english.html



RESERVATIONS:

Requests, if possible, should be sent directly by the interested visitor/s. If the person submitting the request is not the actual visitor, he or she should send the visitor(s) name(s) and e-mail address(es). This will allow the Excavations Office to replay back to the person requesting the visit and to the visitor with specific information about the visit granted.

Those leading groups (universities, parishes, cultural associations, agencies, and other groups) should send a complete list of names of the participants and the name of their organization.

There are no set deadlines for submitting requests. All requests, even urgent ones, will be fulfilled depending on the places left available at the closest date to the one requested.

Requests may be submitted in written form by sending a message to scavi@fsp.va, by fax +39 06 69873017, or by visiting the Excavations Office in person (using the south

entrance, just outside of the Colonnade).

It is absolutely necessary to provide the following information:

1. Exact number of participants;
2. Names of participants;
3. Language requested;
4. Possible dates *when the Excavations Office can assign your visit (the time will be determined by the Office). *please always write in full the name of the month (e.g.: from 01 January 2013 to 08 January 2013)
5. E-mail address, or fax number, or a complete postal address.



ENTRANCE FEE:

The cost of the individual ticket, including the contribution for the Guide, is 12,00 Euros(approximately $ 15.50 USD)

[From January 1, 2013: The cost of the individual ticket is 13,00 Euros(approximately $ 16.50 USD)].

No reductions in price will be given for any reason.


REGULATIONS DURING VISITS:

Arrive at the Excavations Office at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time of the visit.

Clothing should be appropriate for a sacred place: long trousers/slacks/jeans for men; dresses that reach below the knees or long trousers/slacks/jeans for women; shoulders must be covered for all.

Entrance to the Excavations Office is only through the gates located on the Via Paolo VI (outside of the Colonnade, just to the south

, near the entrance to the General Audience Hall.) Upon arrival, present the Swiss Guards with your letter of confirmation received from the Office which indicates the scheduled time of your visit.



Depositing prohibited items:

The following objects are absolutely prohibited during the visit:
luggage / large bags
backpacks /cameras

These [and similar] objects must be deposited before reaching the Office.

A DEPOSIT area free of charge for these objects is available to the right of the façade of the Basilica at ground floor level of the Basilica's premises passed the security check areas. We are glad to provide this service and the objects deposited are supervised by our staff.

Anyone who does not observe these regulations will not be allowed to participate in the visit.​

We would love to go !​

 

[MinnieGarden]

Hello Fellow Travelers

John and I are wondering if anyone would like to join us on a visit to the Tomb of St Peter and the Necropolis. We are looking into going on Monday Sept 15 sometime in the morning ( depending upon the times available at the Vatican ). I have contacted the Scavi Office at the Vatican already and in order to get a private tour in English, I have to submit at least 12 names, I have 4 already. I have attached the details of the Tour and the price . Send me back a note here with the names of anyone who is interested - (I need your full names) Let me know if you are interested. The prices are listed below and I am willing to lay out the money in order to secure the date and time
Thanks
Micki

Visits to the Tomb of Saint Peter and the Necropolis
under the Vatican Basilica



Special visits to the necropolis underneath the Basilica, where the tomb of St. Peter is located, are only possible following special permission granted from time to time by the “Fabbrica di San Pietro”. Visits are organized according to the schedule set by the Excavations Office.


- In order to preserve this exceptional historical, archaeological site and due to the limited premises around the venerated tomb of the Apostle Peter, only around 250 visitors per day are permitted to enter.

- Groups are composed of approximately 12 people and according to language.

- Only those who are 15 years or older will be admitted – no exceptions will be made.

- Each group is accompanied by a guide especially trained by our office.
The guided visit lasts about an hour and a half.

We kindly inform all visitors to the necropolis that environmental conditions will be different underground, with possible increase of temperature and humidity. Those who suffer specific and serious physical problems that could be effected by these conditions, including claustrophobia, should not visit.


Virtual Visit:

Explore the Vatican Necropolis online by clicking the following link:
http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/necropoli/scavi_english.html



RESERVATIONS:

Requests, if possible, should be sent directly by the interested visitor/s. If the person submitting the request is not the actual visitor, he or she should send the visitor(s) name(s) and e-mail address(es). This will allow the Excavations Office to replay back to the person requesting the visit and to the visitor with specific information about the visit granted.

Those leading groups (universities, parishes, cultural associations, agencies, and other groups) should send a complete list of names of the participants and the name of their organization.

There are no set deadlines for submitting requests. All requests, even urgent ones, will be fulfilled depending on the places left available at the closest date to the one requested.

Requests may be submitted in written form by sending a message to scavi@fsp.va, by fax +39 06 69873017, or by visiting the Excavations Office in person (using the south

entrance, just outside of the Colonnade).

It is absolutely necessary to provide the following information:

1. Exact number of participants;
2. Names of participants;
3. Language requested;
4. Possible dates *when the Excavations Office can assign your visit (the time will be determined by the Office). *please always write in full the name of the month (e.g.: from 01 January 2013 to 08 January 2013)
5. E-mail address, or fax number, or a complete postal address.



ENTRANCE FEE:

The cost of the individual ticket, including the contribution for the Guide, is 12,00 Euros(approximately $ 15.50 USD)

[From January 1, 2013: The cost of the individual ticket is 13,00 Euros(approximately $ 16.50 USD)].

No reductions in price will be given for any reason.


REGULATIONS DURING VISITS:

Arrive at the Excavations Office at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time of the visit.

Clothing should be appropriate for a sacred place: long trousers/slacks/jeans for men; dresses that reach below the knees or long trousers/slacks/jeans for women; shoulders must be covered for all.

Entrance to the Excavations Office is only through the gates located on the Via Paolo VI (outside of the Colonnade, just to the south

, near the entrance to the General Audience Hall.) Upon arrival, present the Swiss Guards with your letter of confirmation received from the Office which indicates the scheduled time of your visit.



Depositing prohibited items:

The following objects are absolutely prohibited during the visit:
luggage / large bags
backpacks /cameras

These [and similar] objects must be deposited before reaching the Office.

A DEPOSIT area free of charge for these objects is available to the right of the façade of the Basilica at ground floor level of the Basilica's premises passed the security check areas. We are glad to provide this service and the objects deposited are supervised by our staff.

Anyone who does not observe these regulations will not be allowed to participate in the visit.​

We would love to go too! Please put us down for 3!​

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Hello Fellow Travelers

John and I are wondering if anyone would like to join us on a visit to the Tomb of St Peter and the Necropolis. We are looking into going on Monday Sept 15 sometime in the morning ( depending upon the times available at the Vatican ).

Micki -

Brian, his dad, and I would love to do this tour, but it sounds like you don't really get to pick the time, the Vatican just gives it to you, and our flight doesn't get into Rome until 7:30 that morning, so it won't work for us unless it was a later morning or afternoon time. Will want to hear all about it though!

Laurie

 

[NYC MM]

I have to give the Vatican 2 dates, I'm going to give them Monday or Tuesday, I know our ABD event starts Tuesday evening, so I am going to ask for Monday Mid day or Tuesday Morning ( I will try to drop some names that I have in the contact email and also try to call in some favors I have )
Please let me know if this additional date works for the people who have already said yes. Working with the Vatican can be complicated sometimes! Thanks

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Please let me know if this additional date works for the people who have already said yes. Working with the Vatican can be complicated sometimes! Thanks

Micki,

The 3 of us can do Monday mid-day or Tuesday morning!

Laurie

 

[christannj]

Micki

My husband, Chuck, and I as well as our two friends Mike and Rick won't be arriving until 8:30 Monday morning so we would be interested in the Tuesday group if that is available and you have space.

 

[NYC MM]

Looks like we have a great group of interested folks. I have to send the Vatican everyone's First and Last Name with the request. Please send me your names so I do this soon.. Thank you

 

[MinnieGarden]

Micki - we are good with either time. I'll send you a PM with real, legal names!

 

[jmccormick]

Congrats! Haven't booked airfare yet We did a food tour on the previous DIS ABD It was fantastic We are thinking of trying the night food tour It sounds so much fun we are thinking the Monday night before the start of ABD They have 3 times- it looks like a max of 10 people per tour Would love to do this with others on the trip any interest? Dates? time? http://www.eatingitalyfoodtours.com/twilight-trastevere-food-tour/ OVERVIEW Trastevere is a neighborhood like no other. Its ivy-coated, cobblestone streets come alive at night earning it comparisons to Greenwich Village and Paris’s Left Bank. On this guided 4-hour walking tour we will explore this ancient neighborhood indulging in over 10 food and wine tastings along the way at 8 of some of Rome’s most historic and locally loved places. You will also get a chance to meet the families that have been serving up the foodie treasures we savor for generations. Few activities in Rome deliver as many hidden surprises and enchanting moments as this, so be sure to join us for an unforgettable evening. HIGHLIGHTS If you were shooting a movie in Rome, the iconic trattoria, Da Enzo al 29 would be your location of choice and their award-winning food isn’t half-bad either Tasting wine in Spirito di Vino’s wine cellar that is 150 years older than the Colosseum is not your run of the mill experience Fulfill your childhood dream with a visit to Rome’s famous family-owned cookie factory Go behind the scenes at one of Rome’s most well-known bakeries to taste their award-winning pizza and see how its baked The Polica family has been selling the finest meats and cheeses at Antica Caciara, their legendary delicatessen since 1900 Sample homemade ravioli among other sumptuous pasta dishes along with wine Gelato at Fatamorgana, the gelateria that brought “gourmet gelato” to Rome Hidden historical & cultural sights and surprises making it so much “more than a food tour” WHAT’S INCLUDED Authentic ,delicious, and substantial food and wine tastings at 9 unforgettable places Experienced, entertaining and mother-tongue English guide Our Food Lovers’ Guide to Rome – our tried and tested guide on where to eat in Rome Discount coupons for selected Rome food outlets WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED We do not organize or provide transport to and from the tour. Detailed information for how to arrive to the meeting point, including exact address, will be provided to you at time of booking. The end point is reasonably close to the meeting point and is well connected by public transport. At the end of the tour, our guides are always more than happy to call a taxi for you or point you in the right direction. WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW Things to Bring: Please bring a bottle of water or you can purchase one at the meeting point. If rain is forecast, bring an umbrella as you will be outside for much of the tour. What to wear: While the area is quite flat please make sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made 3 weeks prior to the scheduled tour date are fully refundable. Rain, hail or shine: Our tours run regardless of weather conditions. When and Where: Daily at 4:45pm, 5:30pm and 6:15pm except Sundays. The tour takes place in the neighborhood of Trastevere which is well connected to various modes of public transport. The tour starts 5 minute walk from the Great Synagogue and ends about a 10 minute walk from the meeting point. Exact meeting address and detailed directions are provided with your booking confirmation. Unavailable Dates: All Sundays, Italian National Holidays and all of August

Karen we would love to be part of this also
Jim & Linda

 

[jmccormick]

Due to having to use vacation time on days I couldn't get into work (because of this miserable winter) I've had to cancel this trip. I will miss seeing all of you this year, but I'm sure our paths will cross on future adventures! Jason

Jason - this trip just will not be the same without you. We just got up-to date on the thread and are so sorry not to have you.
Jim & Linda

 

[NYC MM]

Hoo Ray !1
I just received Confirmation from the Vatican for our Tour
It will be Tuesday morning at 11: 00 sharp there will be 18 of us and we will be split into 2 groups ( 12 and 6 )
The tour has some requirements such as a dress code ( same as visiting the church ) and I will send that out soon . The price is 13.00 euro and we can work that out later.

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Hoo Ray !1
I just received Confirmation from the Vatican for our Tour
It will be Tuesday morning at 11: 00 sharp there will be 18 of us and we will be split into 2 groups ( 12 and 6 )

Great Micki!!!! Thanks so much for organizing this!!

Laurie

 

[jmccormick]

hoo ray !1
I just received confirmation from the vatican for our tour
it will be tuesday morning at 11: 00 sharp there will be 18 of us and we will be split into 2 groups ( 12 and 6 )
the tour has some requirements such as a dress code ( same as visiting the church ) and i will send that out soon . The price is 13.00 euro and we can work that out later.

too cool

 

[christannj]

Way to go Micki!!!! That sounds great and looking forward to the additional information. Let us know if you want the money now or later. I will be paying for 4 people.