Trip to Itally in Mid April, suggestions?

[Steelsun]

I'll be leaving for vacation in Italy in about a week (April 6th-16th). We'll spend 5 days in Florence (with a day side trip to Sienna) and 5 days in Rome (with a possible day trip to Pompeii).

Aside from the normal touristy things (Vatican, Colliseum, major museums and churches, etc), does anyone have any advice on "Must See/Photo" places?

As a side note, sadly it seems many of the museums and churches are now restricting or outright banning photography indoors. You can no longer take pictures in the Sistene Chapel for one.

[Bill Huber]

Oh yes, I really think you must see ME helping you carry your bags and camera gear all over the place and I won't charge for meals .... So what time will you pick me up...... :lol:

That should be a great trip...

[Jim]

Originally Posted by Steelsun

As a side note, sadly it seems many of the museums and churches are now restricting or outright banning photography indoors. You can no longer take pictures in the Sistene Chapel for one.

I know what you mean. The last time I went to Cambodia and Thailand they weren't allowing pictures taken inside of most muesems anymore. Luckily in Cambodia, though, if you pay them a little you can take pictures of just about anything. :lol:

[LoungeLizard]

Keep an eye on the architecture. There is some incredible stuff in the old towns. Take a look at my French travel photos at http://loungelizard.smugmug.com/gallery/411102 for some of what you can expect. The architecture is very similar.

Have fun...and I think I can handle more luggage than Bill, so call me first! :lol:

[saroy]

When I was in Florence we rented scooters one day and drove out into Tuscany (specifically the Chianti region I think). It was one of the most fun days I've had in Europe.

I felt that Pompeii was worth the visit, I took a day trip there from Rome.

[Sheldon]

Originally Posted by Steelsun

As a side note, sadly it seems many of the museums and churches are now restricting or outright banning photography indoors. You can no longer take pictures in the Sistene Chapel for one.

Ive never been to where you are going, but I was in Paris last year, and many of the churches banned flash, but still allowed cameras. Ofcourse I saw many P&S cameras from tourist where the flash was still going off. Thank god for fast lenses....... :D Looking forward to seeing your pictures when you return. Have a GREAT time !!

[Steelsun]

Thanks for all the advice!

Scooters: That is an option we are considering also. I would love to try that. One idea we had was to catch a train to the coast and rent scooters there for a few hours.

Architecture: This will probably encompass 90% of my photos. I've been lucky enough to visit England 3 times, and so far that's been my ration there also. One of my last visits we spent 3 days going to isolated churches in the fens (NE of Cambridge). We had a special guide as it was a trip for a group of change ringers (bell ringers) and we got to go behind the scenes and to many closed churches. While the ringers were ringing (my wife's one) I would walk the churches and cemetaries for an hour or so. I have to get those pics reposted.

Camera Access: It seems that the majority of the places do forbid flash, I'm not too concerned about that, but just forbidding photos all together is harsh. The reasons I am seeing so far are Security (post 9/11 and general theft) and Economics (You have to buy pics at the giftshop if you want them). I'll also be bringing my Oly4000 P&S and may be able to sneak some 4MP pics with it.

Bag Carriers: Funny how many come out of the woodwork, eh? Yet when I needed help moving all those bodies last year, no one returned my calls. :lol:

[suzyjazz]

I have never been to Europe, so I have no advice, but have fun and I want to see your pics when you return! :-)

[gjramsey]

We went to Germany and Italy last fall. Spent a couple nights in Siena. The Duomo there will allow photos with no flash. That is a must see. Didn't spend any time in Florence, though. Maybe next time.

Here is a link to some of shots I took while there.

http://home.houston.rr.com/sramsey/

[swanny338]

I don't have any tips but..... have fun and make sure to come back with lots of pics for us to see!!!!!

[Steelsun]

Originally Posted by gjramsey

We went to Germany and Italy last fall. Spent a couple nights in Siena. The Duomo there will allow photos with no flash. That is a must see. Didn't spend any time in Florence, though. Maybe next time.

Here is a link to some of shots I took while there.

http://home.houston.rr.com/sramsey/

Nice shots!

[gjramsey]

Thanks! It was a fun trip, but I had only the Kit lens for my Nikon D70 at the time. Now that I have added a couple more lenses, I certainly need to go back!

I do suggest driving around the Tuscany hill country. Great hill towns South of Siena, and the Chainti region between Florence and Siena. San Gimignano is another fun place to walk around