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Tuesday, 28 August, 2007 10:59 AM
Enjoy Rome Like a Seasoned Traveller...
Travel
guru's top tips for planning a trip to Italy
Can you fall head over
heels in love with a city? If Rome were a woman, she’d seduce
you with her ageless beauty, mysterious secrets and her zest for
life. If Rome were a man, he’d embrace you with his majestic
strength, enduring artistry and romantic charm. It’s a potent
combination of romance, relics and ruins that makes Italy one of
the top 3 Western European destinations for Americans.
Anthony Capozzoli, author
of the new book and CD audio guide, “UNABELLAVISTA ROME: How
to Tour Italy,” fell in love with Italy at a young age. His
must-see sights always include museum tours. “I think Rome
is a spellbinding city that woos you with a magical elixir of breathtaking
art and architecture,” says Capozzoli. “When you try
to quantify the number of masterpieces housed in Rome it’s
awe inspiring. You don’t have to be an art aficionado to marvel
at the gifted work of masters such as Michelangelo.”
Sure, while we love the
masterpieces and the sense of history that permeates the air, let’s
not ignore Rome’s siren call of fine shopping that beckons
fashionistas who crave the supple caress of a fine leather shoe
or handbag. Oh, and did we mention the food and the wine? What’s
not to love!
“To really explore
a city, you need to travel independently and look for the local
attractions—not just the tourist traps,” says Capozzoli.
“Find a restaurant that looks and smells wonderful then defer
to your server’s expertise. That’s how you get the best
authentic dishes. The same applies for your entire experience. Just
embrace the culture and they’ll want to guide you.”
To truly enjoy Italy,
you need to plan accordingly to avoid the common aggravations that
can dampen overseas travel. Here are some key tips to make the most
of your visit:· Be respectful and try to speak some Italian;
it will inspire locals to guide you
- Buy train tickets/rail
passes online (this helps ensure you understand the rail system)
- Book museum reservations
online so you don’t waste time standing in line
- Call your credit
card company to inform them of your trip ahead of time so they
don’t think overseas charges are fraudulent
- When packing, less
is more
- Bring an empty duffel
bag to carry souvenirs home
- Bring extra digital
camera memory cards and/or film and batteries for your camera;
they’re expensive in Italy
- Rent a mobile phone
if you want to be reached
- Grab your hotel’s
card with the phone number and address to help you find your way
back; remember to add the major sight or piazza the hotel is near
to aid in directions
- Bring electrical
adaptors for your hair dryer, iPod, camera or anything that needs
electricity
- Keep a color copy
of your passport picture page in your money belt; hide your passports
in your hotel room or hotel safe
- Consider renting
an apartment instead of booking a four star hotel
- Don’t flash
your cash and NEVER leave your camera or purse unattended
UNABELLAVISTA:
ROME How to Tour Italy, Guidebook and CD
by Anthony Capozzoli
161 pp., Paperback $18.95 US
Publisher: Bella Industries Publishing
Available at www.amazon.com
www.unabellavista.com
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About the author:
Anthony Capozzoli is a Chicago Native whose family hails from Campagna
and Sicily. He grew up strongly influenced by his family’s
Italian heritage and developed a deep love for Italy. Capozzoli
has researched Italy his entire life and he relied on that research
to map out an incredible itinerary for his maiden voyage to Rome
6 years ago. When Capozzoli returned home, his friends were so inspired
by his visit they asked Capozzoli to plan a trip to Rome for them--with
a complete itinerary. What started out as a favor for his friends,
grew into something much bigger than Capozzoli ever anticipated.
He’s since published “UNABELLAVISTA ROME,” a guidebook
for the city of Rome along with a CD audio guide. He’s now
working on a second guide book: “UNABELLAVISTA FLORENCE.”
A graduate of the University
of Iowa, Capozzoli ultimately plans to divide his time between Italy
and the United States. For more information visit: www.unabellavista.com.
Source: Event Management
Services, Inc.
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