Italy ABD Advice & Pointers

[SingingMom]

Greetings, fellow Adventurers! After DD's picks of London/Paris and Germany ABDS, DH's pick of Central Europe ABD, it's finally MY turn to pick the land of my ancestors and plan an Italy ABD!

I promise I will read through the many posts , as time permits , but, those of you that have already taken this ABD, would you please be so kind as to share your "must dos" and " must donts"! of this trip.

Here are a few things in particular that I am interested in:

**Looking at the Adult Inclusive trip on May 9-16. Good time of year/ Not too hot? Would prefer no children, but if there's a better time to visit, we could forgo the adult only aspect.

**As a devout Catholic, I am specifically looking forward to the after hour Vatican Museum visit.

**Are any of the activities/tours not available due to day of week? (for example - In Prague, St Vitus was closed for tours on Sundays. I would have been heartbroken not to have seen this gorgeous cathedral, that I enjoyed more than Notre Dame!)

**Would you add days before the tour or after the tour? Reasons?

**Anything important to bring that we might not have needed on past ABDS?

Thanks for your input! Grazie!

 

[RSM]

Hi SingingMom- not sure if the timing would work out, but if you can it might be worth it to do the Audience with the Pope. It is typically on Wednesday mornings and is pretty informal (not a mass). But if you know where to go, you can actually get pretty close to the pope. You can get tickets on your own for free, but we did it through a company called Dark Rome tours. They got the tickets, provided some history, but most importantly knew where to go for the best seats (it is open seating). Pope Benedict walked right by us within a few feet. We are Christian (not Catholic) but it was pretty moving and inspiring. Not sure if your timing would work, but being a devout Catholic if the timing works, I think you would find it worthwhile. Anyways, hope you have fun planning your trip. Tons of stuff to do in Rome (we tacked on Rome after the Central Italy ABD).

 

[sayhello]

May should be an excellent time to be in Italy. I was there in early May, and the weather was sunny and beautiful, and not too hot.

Sayhello

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd suggest a couple of pre-nights in Rome. There is so much to see in that city and you should also spend some time just wandering around the neighborhoods.

 

[Rapunzellover]

Venice. Extra time there is a must.

 

[mare1203]

Yay for Italy!!! You're going to love this trip.

I would definitely plan on adding at least 1, if not 2, days in Rome. To me, 2 days would be 1 complete and full day on your own, plus the Welcome day, which as you know, won't start until 5pm or so. I would definitely recommend doing some sort of tour, whether it's a nighttime food tour or something equally more specific. Disney will obviously show you the big stuff. There are a number of tours in Trastevere and that's not an area you travel to on the ABD but is near the ABD hotel that I think would be worth it. I would also plan for more time in Vatican City. I think you can climb up St. Peters? Someone will no doubt correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure there's something like that available. We did the Borghese Gallery in Rome on our own and that was worth it, but I'd either get a private guide or audioguide to really get the full experience.

You could also choose to spend more time in Venice. I loved Rome more than Venice, but lots of people are the opposite. Don't skip the mask making. The guides will tell you this, but really, don't. It's awesome. If I think of more, I'll let ya know!

 

[OKW Lover]

There are a number of tours in Trastevere and that's not an area you travel to on the ABD but is near the ABD hotel that I think would be worth it.

We did a twilight culinary tour of the Trastevere area and it was great!

 

[RunAway]

We will be doing the adult only Italy and the Amalfi Coast in May 2017. We will be spending a week in Rome prior to taking a train to Naples to join the ABD.

We were lucky enough to get a tour thru the Ufficio Scavi of the Vatican of the Necropolis under the Bascilica
of St Peter. It is the level below the tombs of the Popes. You will see the Roman tombs as well as the Tomb of St Peter. Tickets are extremely limited and are 13 euro per person. You have to email the Ufficio Scavi office with your request listing number of people, names, language requested and possible dates that you could do. Tours take about 1.5 hr.

We requested our spots in September for May and were lucky enough to get exactly what we wanted : Wednesday after the Papal Audience!

As far as Venice goes: It doesn't look like ABD will take you to St Marks. We did a DCL excursion in Venice to St Marks after dark. It was beautiful in there. There are tours that you could book that look like what we did. I would recommend that!

 

[CaliKris]

We will be doing the adult only Italy and the Amalfi Coast in May 2017. We will be spending a week in Rome prior to taking a train to Naples to join the ABD.

We were lucky enough to get a tour thru the Ufficio Scavi of the Vatican of the Necropolis under the Bascilica
of St Peter. It is the level below the tombs of the Popes. You will see the Roman tombs as well as the Tomb of St Peter. Tickets are extremely limited and are 13 euro per person. You have to email the Ufficio Scavi office with your request listing number of people, names, language requested and possible dates that you could do. Tours take about 1.5 hr.

We requested our spots in September for May and were lucky enough to get exactly what we wanted : Wednesday after the Papal Audience!

As far as Venice goes: It doesn't look like ABD will take you to St Marks. We did a DCL excursion in Venice to St Marks after dark. It was beautiful in there. There are tours that you could book that look like what we did. I would recommend that!

We were lucky enough to take the Scavi tour in 2006. It is a deeply moving experience. No children under 16 were allowed. I would highly recommend it!

 

[Rapunzellover]

Jealous about the Scavi tour! I had tixs for that on my trip and a dang 24 hour flight delay made me miss it.

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Oooh!!! I would highly recommend adding a day or two before the ABD to hit some of the amazing churches in Rome. We came in a day early for this purpose and I spent every spare minute of our on our own time poking around in churches. They were incredible!!! We did the Scavi tour, which I would describe as can't miss. You will See St. Peter's and the Pantheon as part of the ABD. There's no way to cover all of Rome's churches but here's a list of some I visited that were the most impressive:

Santa Maria della Vittoria (to see Bernini's Ecstacy of St. Theresa)
Santa Maria Maggiore
St. John Lateran
Santa Maria del Popolo
Santa Maria sopra Minerva
Santa Cecilia in Trastevere
Santa Maria in Trastevere

It was very easy to get around and many of these were near major sites or close to our hotel. Once we had an itinerary, I just planned to pop into the ones near where we were touring during free time. There were dozens of tiny churches that aren't famous but suddenly, oh, there's a Rafael or an incredible mosaic. I borrowed a book from a friend who is a Dominican sister "The Pilgrim's Guide to Rome's Principal Churches: Illustrated Guided Tours of Fifty-one of the Most Important Churches of Rome" by Joseph N. Tylenda. That gave me alot of history and helped me choose. We did the Eating Italy tour in Trastevere our first night which was wonderful! Highly recommend!

In Florence, one of our dinners was in the plaza of Santa Croce but we didn't go in the church. I went back during free time and would recommend that. There you will find the tombs of Michaelangelo, Galileo, Dante and Machiavelli among others.

I'd add days on the front rather than the back end. There's just no way to get in the religious sights you're interested in seeing in Rome without an extra day or two. Venice was amazing but by that point I was ready to hang out in St Mark's Square drinking belinis with my new family listening to the music rather than heavy touring.

You will love this ABD!!!

Laurie

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd add days on the front rather than the back end. There's just no way to get in the religious sights you're interested in seeing in Rome without an extra day or two. Venice was amazing but by that point I was ready to hang out in St Mark's Square drinking belinis with my new family listening to the music rather than heavy touring.

I'd certainly agree with this Laurie. ABD's can be tiring and Venice is lovely to take at a relaxed pace.

 

[SingingMom]

Now I'm REALLY getting excited! I appreciate all of these suggestions! I will definitely start looking into these ideas! Of course, I need to pick a tour date!

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Also, when you are at St. Peter's, they will give you some time in the official gift shop after (not a lot but it was enough for me) and you can get your items blessed. Our ABD guide in Rome, Cristina, was fabulous and took care of that so we were able to purchase some items for the kids and for my niece and nephew's First Holy Communion.

Laurie

 

[met19]

We did a twilight culinary tour of the Trastevere area and it was great!

I did this tour based on OKW Lover's recommendation and it was amazing. The guide was great, you eat at local places (not touristy) and learn the history of this neighborhood.

We did 2.5 days/3nights in Rome after the Alpine Magic ABD: hit Vatican museums, Ancient Rome (Forum and Coliseum), and the eating tour. The other day we ended going to St Peter's but it was closed due to Papal Audience in the square (prior to Mother Theresa's canonization). Pope came out to the square and rode by within 5 feet of us (made up for not being able to go into St peters), went back to the Forum to check more ruins, and wandered around prior to dinner.

Based on my experience, I think 4 days in Rome is a minimum (total time inc ABD). You could spend a whole week there eating and touring and barely scratch all the history, art, and food there. Also don't forget to account for jet lag.

 

[wdwtheplacetobe]

Greetings, fellow Adventurers! After DD's picks of London/Paris and Germany ABDS, DH's pick of Central Europe ABD, it's finally MY turn to pick the land of my ancestors and plan an Italy ABD!

I promise I will read through the many posts , as time permits , but, those of you that have already taken this ABD, would you please be so kind as to share your "must dos" and " must donts"! of this trip.

Here are a few things in particular that I am interested in:

**Looking at the Adult Inclusive trip on May 9-16. Good time of year/ Not too hot? Would prefer no children, but if there's a better time to visit, we could forgo the adult only aspect.

**As a devout Catholic, I am specifically looking forward to the after hour Vatican Museum visit.

**Are any of the activities/tours not available due to day of week? (for example - In Prague, St Vitus was closed for tours on Sundays. I would have been heartbroken not to have seen this gorgeous cathedral, that I enjoyed more than Notre Dame!)

**Would you add days before the tour or after the tour? Reasons?

**Anything important to bring that we might not have needed on past ABDS?

Thanks for your input! Grazie!

YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A FANTASTIC TRIP!!!

That said, it was our First ABD. We went May 2013 Adults Only and it was a Perfect trip.

Be aware in Rome, Public Potties have NO seats! Apparently, they get "stolen" and are not replaced. I would carry some T/P in my Purse. (they sell travel packs)

The Sistine Chapel with just a few people is worth the whole trip! Your Local Guide in Rome, Cristina is Fabulous. She studied Roman History for 4 years and took an exam to become a Local Expert. She will tell you more information in 2 days, than will fit in 10 books! If you are very lucky, you will have Dusty and Marco B. as your ABD Guides as we did. Marvel at The Pieta!

Orvieto is the town that you stop in on the way to Tuscany. Research the Pottery. There is a shop across from the Duomo...called Giacomino's that is THE place to go! We had some pieces shipped home and they arrived in pristine condition. The Owner of the Shop "Mama" is very sweet. Everything is designed by her and her family!

You will meet Sarah, a World-Famous Chef, and learn the art of Pasta making on her family farm. Florence is full of beautiful Sculptures, Including David.

After Florence, you will board a bullet-train to Venice...that goes 300KPH.

Venice was an Adventure in itself! We had a very Special Trip! The Mask Making was one of our Favorite experiences!

Our "Family" of 12 has spawned close friendships. Every time we go to WDW, we have dinner with a Couple from that ABD, and we are planning our 3rd ABD to Spain with another Couple from that ABD.

So, needless to say, it was a unique trip...and these are just some highlights!

 

[SingingMom]

YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A FANTASTIC TRIP!!!


So, needless to say, it was a unique trip...and these are just some highlights!

Thanks for your response! I will save them for next year! We decided on Spain ABD this May instead. DD has a friend in Madrid who wants her to visit & promised us two post days of private touring! lol We are looking forward to seeing two past guides also, so it will be a fun trip. But, I WILL GET TO ITALY SOME DAY!

 

[wdwtheplacetobe]

Thanks for your response! I will save them for next year! We decided on Spain ABD this May instead. DD has a friend in Madrid who wants her to visit & promised us two post days of private touring! lol We are looking forward to seeing two past guides also, so it will be a fun trip. But, I WILL GET TO ITALY SOME DAY!

Wish you were going to Spain with us in September!