Why

Italian culture has always been a strong influence in my daily life, as my mother was born there.  Her family immigrated to Canada when she was only a small child, however they visited relatives that chose to stay in Italy a total of five or six times before my mother graduated high school.  It is because of this upbringing that my mother learned the Italian language and, most importantly, how to cook traditional Italian dishes.  In raising my brother and I, we learned how to speak Italian. As a single parent, she could not afford to travel to Italy to show us the Italian culture first hand.  After I graduate from UWO, I will embark on this trip to experience five iconic cities in Italy.

Transportation Details 

My 10 day excursion will begin with a $1300 CAD round trip flight purchase from Toronto's Pearson Airport to Rome's Leonardo DaVinci Airport.  Jet lag will be a factor as there is a five hour time difference. 

Before departure, I will purchase a Eurail Pass online for $473 CAD.  This will enable me to travel to each destination by passenger rail.  The initial map I posted is purely for a distance perspective and does not represent the actual railway lines I will use.

Railway System of Italy

 

Click For Detailed Railway System

Day 1-2: ROME

Italy will be most attractive during the summer season, which is why I will begin my trip in June.  For this trip, relaxation is not a primary objective. Accommodations will consist of hostels and my extended family, who are residents of Italy.  Hostel prices range from 20 to 30 Euros per night depending on the city.  Accomadations a la famalia will be no additional cost. Baggage will consist of a large rucksack to ensure easy mobility.  I have also decided to travel alone, relying on my own resourcefulness and outgoing personality to enjoy every minute while staying safe. 

1300 Flight + 473 Eurail + 250 Hostel + 700 Spending = $2723 CAD Total

Upon arriving in Rome, my first destination will be the Coliseum.  Rome is a sprawling metropolis home to over 2.7 million residents. Taxi or bus will be the easiest mode of transportation to tour this ancient amphitheater that once held gladiator contests and public spectacles.  

After Arriving at 3:00 pm local time, this is the only attraction I will have the time or energy to engage in.  It will then be time to check-in at the hostel and recuperate for Day 2 in Rome.

Day 2 - The Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and a Football Match


The Trevi Fountain and the Spanish steps are both architectural landmarks located very close to each other within Rome.  History and architecture enthrall my senses and these two sites will provide me with stunning visuals and intellectual stimulation.  Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will return to the eternal city.

The Spanish Steps located at the Piazza di Spagna. 

The Trevi Fountain

Evening - A.S. Roma

During the evening, I will buy a ticket to watch a Serie A match involving A.S. Roma and witness one of the most dynamic players in the game, Francesco Totti. As with most European nations, the Italians have an almost religious dedication to their respective clubs; I will be sure to purchase a Roma jersey to wear at Stadio Olimpico. 

Stadio Olimpico

Day 3-4: FLORENCE

After an early four hour train ride, I will arrive in Florence, "the art capital of Italy." First destination is the Galleria dell ' Accademia which houses a vast Michelangelo collection, including the famous statue David.  I will rely on public transport for all sightseeing in this region. The region of Tuscany is famous for its wine production; here I will be tempted to indulge in fine wine at the many cafes and restaurants that line the Piazza della Signoria. For dinner I will order a Florentine steak dish called bistecca alla fiorentina.  After this meal I will try my Italian with some locals to experience the Florentine nightlife and then back to the hostel for a good night's rest.

Day 4 - FLORENCE - Il Duomo-Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Bell Tower and Baptistery


This will be a day dedicated to breathtaking photography opportunities, a small hobby of mine. The huge Gothic duomo or cathedral was begun in 1296, consecrated in 1436, and holds 20,000 people.  It is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Florence.  I will purchase a ticket and climb the 463 steps to the top.  Also nearby is the Bell Tower offering spectacular panoramic view of Florence for a 414 stair climb.  

The Baptistery of John the Baptist, from the 11th century, is one of Florence's oldest buildings. The outer portions are made of green and white marble and have three sets of stunning bronze doors. Inside, there are mosaics and a marble pavement of the zodiac, offering ample opportunity to practice my photography abilities.

 View from Bell Tower

  View from Top of Cathedral

Day 5 - MILAN

Time to splurge in the fashion capital of Italy. Quadrilatero d’Oro takes the word luxury to a new level, offering designers Prada, Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferragamo, and Valentino, all well ahead of current fashion trends.  I tend to be a bit of a fashion snob and plan to purchase a few items for bragging rights when I return to Canada.  I will use Elena’s La Bella Citta blog to discover the best cafes, boutiques and nightlife near my hostel.  The following morning the train to Venice awaits.

Day 6 - VENICE - Gondola ride and St. Mark's Square

Day 7-9: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO
The 7 hour train ride to Foggia offers constant cascading views of the Adriatic Sea.  After Foggia, a 45 minute bus ride will take me to the small town of San Giovanni Rotondo.  This is the birthplace of my grandmother, mother and current retiree Zia Lucia Pirro.  My great aunt owns a condo here, where the beaches are hot and bustling during the summer.  Here I will relax on the beaches for two full days, enjoying home cooked Italian meals. I will also pay visit to a shrine dedicated to Padre Pio, a recently canonized saint and local priest during my grandmother's childhood. 

Shrine of Padre Pio

Day 10: VATICAN CITY and Departure

Early morning, I will travel 4.5 hours by bus and train to Vatican City, the smallest country in the world.  I will tour the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.  The former contains frescoes that bring new meaning to the word grandeur while the latter is yet another architectural marvel.  Both will provide me with the photography opportunities of a lifetime.  From Vatican City I will either taxi or bus to Leonardo DaVinci Airport and board the red eye back to Toronto.

Piazza di San Marco

St. Peter's Basilica