Italy Trip Reports - We traveled to Italy in June, 2008. My wife and I were accompanied by my brother for the trip. We spent a total of 12 days in Italy, visiting Venice, Florence and Rome. While in Venice, we made a day trip to the Dolomite Mountains, and spent most of another day touring the islands in Venice's lagoon.
Italy trip report (general notes) - Many of our observations applied to more than one city, or to visiting Italy in general. This was particularly true with regards to planning and booking the trip and the items we brought with us on our vacation. Rather than duplicate those comments in the Venice, Florence and Rome trip reports, I've included a separate page for these general comments here.
Venice Italy trip report - We spent four days in Venice. One of those days was devoted to a day trip to the Dolomites Mountains. Another day was spent touring the Venice Lagoon. Read this trip report to learn about our apartment, the restaurants we dined at, where to buy awesome Venice masks, and more. Want to know the WORST time of day to take a gondola ride? Read the Venice trip report to find out.
Florence Italy trip report - We spent three days in Florence, not including travel days. We stayed in Florence all three days, wandering the city to enjoy all the tourist sites. In this trip report I break down the various tourist attractions in Florence, review our apartment and offer restaurant reviews. If you're going anywhere near Florence, you HAVE to read the review of Il Latini restaurant.
Rome Italy trip report - As with Florence, we stayed within the city limits all five days we were in Rome. (You think there's enough to do for five days in Rome? LOL) In this trip report I discuss the various tourist sites, provide extensive discussion on the tour of the Vatican, review the apartment and various restaurants. The difference between Angels Tours and Angels and Demons Tours is huge. Read the trip report to understand why. And wait until you hear about this awesome little mom and pop trattoria near the Vatican . . .
Washington DC Trip Report - In June 2009 we took our two 16-year old boys to Washington DC. We spent a total of eight days on our vacation. As we planned our travel, I was really surprised at how much there is to do in Washington DC - and in most cases, there was no charge to enter the various attractions. I was concerned that our Xbox-addicted teens would get bored in Washington DC, but that wasn't much of a problem at all. This turned out to be a great place for a vacation for all of us.
Civil War - Antietam, Harpers Ferry and Gettysburg Trip Report - We traveled to Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg Pennsylvania in June 2009, and returned to visit Antietam, Harpers Ferry and Gettysburg in July 2009. This trip report is under development.