Visit date: 29 January -1 February 2016
Cities: Italy (Rome, Venice, Rimini), Vatican City and San Marino
Prepaid SIM Card
http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Italy
Not available in Rome Airport, but all major companies, i.e. TIM, Vodaphone, and Wind have their shops in Roma Termini train station. TIM has shops on the second floor and also in ground floor, Wind has in the first floor and ground floor.
I checked all 3 company shops, and decided to use TIM, paid EUR 22 for 4GB data. I remember Vodaphone offered EUR 25 for 2GB data and Wind offered EUR 20 for 2GB data.
Transportation
Rome Airport Transportation
Bus is the cheapest option, than the quicker Leonardo train (EUR 14).
There are 4 bus companies provided the transfer from airport to Termini station, all are located in the edge of Terminal 3. All companies provides similar price (one way EUR 4-6) and service, just take the nearest available bus is OK. Better not to book online. Buying return ticket is sometime cheaper, but we will be tied to use the same company when return.
Their stops in Roma Termini stations are different, while SIT and Terravision are at the north side, TAM and Schiaffini are at the south side of the station. Since most hotels located in the north side, SIT and Terravision are more convenient if you don't want to walk across the station to go to the other side.
http://www.terravision.eu/airport_transfer/bus-fiumicino-airport-rome/?
EUR 4 if buy online (originally EUR 6)
http://www.tambus.it/
to Termini station, always EUR 4
http://www.sitbusshuttle.com/en/
EUR 6
By train is EUR 14 with the express Leonardo direct to Termini Station or EUR 8 with other trains for other stations.
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en/Services/Fiumicino-Airport
Rome Airport
http://www.adr.it/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en-/pax-fco-fiumicino
There are 3 terminals, but all located within walkable distance.
Left luggage service is in the edge of Terminal 3, cost EUR 6 per 24 hours, cheaper than Termini station.
Roma Termini Train Station
Left luggage service (more expensive than airport), mobile phone stores and many shops.
Rome City Transportation
Metro and bus are cheap, single trip cost EUR 1.5.
Intercity Trains
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
Easily booked by their above website.
Advance online booking was cheaper.
Took Venice-Rimini and Rimini-Rome.
Rimini-Rome, had to transfer at Bologne, but the train arrived late, so I took the next available train, and reported to the conductor to get new seating.
Venice Airport Ferry
Getting from by ferry directly to the center Venice looks like a good option, but I think the combination of bus and ferry is cheaper and quicker.
The ferry terminal is about 15 minutes walk from the station, and the ferry is only every 30 minutes, takes about 45 minutes to the center.
The tickets can be bought in the airport in the arrival hall.
Since I stay nearby San Marco square and my main purpose was to see the carnival, I didn't buy any pass. To go around, buying pass is worthwhile since ferry fee for one way is EUR 7.5.
Bus Rimini - San Marino
Depart from outside Rimini Station, the bus stop is across the street, in front of Burger King.
The ticket can be bought at tourist office in front of Rimini station, as well as at the bus driver. One way EUR 5.
55 minutes.
Cities and Places
Vatican City
http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/MV_Home.html
This trip was a revenge trip, since 17 years ago, I was rejected to enter since I wore shorts, and had no long pants since it was summer.
Basically, it is divided into 2 big sections for tourist visit, St. Peter's Basilica with the dome and the Vatican Museum, famous with Sistine Chapel.
St. Peter's Basilica is free to enter, and many famous art features inside.
To climb the dome to the top, have to pay EUR 8 (for using lift) or EUR 5 (or EUR 6?!) for using step all the way. Even using the lift, still we have to climb 200 something steps more to the top.
I joined the official guided tour at Vatican Museum, bought the ticket online for EUR 32 (including booking fee EUR 4) since it was said buying at site we have to queue long line, but when I was there in winter afternoon, there was no queue.
Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo painting on the whole wall, was lower than my expectation, I think St.John Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta is more spectacular.
Rome
Visited here 17 years ago, so almost forgot what I visited before.
I joined a free tour, after searching at website.
I found 2 companies on the top of Google search:
1. http://www.romefreewalkingtour.com/
2. http://www.newromefreetour.com/
The first one is more free and relax, since people can just join directly in the meeting place in near Spanish step, while the second one, people have to register first online and have to bring the print-out otherwise people have to pay EUR 10 to join.
I joined the first one at 10:00, since it matched my schedule. The 10:00 tour is called Vatican City tour, started from Spanish Step and ended at Vatican City, matched to my schedule since I booked Vatican Museum tour at 14:00. The tour was quite enjoyable and the explanation of the official guide was good. She explained only official guide can do tour in Italy, that's why there is no Sanderman free tour in Italy like in other European cities, since hiring an official guide is too expensive for them.
Like always, joining the tour make me forget easily the places visited. I would remember better if I just go myself looking at the guide book.
So, I only remember the wow spot, i.e. Pantheon. This dome is spectacular.
I wanted to join the 17:00 of the second tour, but gave up since too tired. Instead I took the bus to Trevia Fountain and walked around.
Venice
Like Rome, it was my second time visiting here.
But this time, my main was to see the carnival.
http://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/
The carnival period was quite long, more than 2 weeks, started at 23 January and ended 7 February 2016.
I only saw the part on 30 and 31 January 2016.
On 30 January, the main was the parade of the 12 Maries (Feste delle Marie). The 12 girls were carried by 4 men, from a church to the stage in San Marco Square.
On 31 January, the main was the Flying of the Angel, i.e. the winner of last year Mary was flying from the the top of the bell tower to the stage down there.
All days, many people wearing fancy baroque style costumes and masks, heave for photographers.
In the evening, the carnival place moved to Arsenale, about 20 minutes walk from San Marco Square, where there were street performers, music concert and fireworks.
On 31 January, I went also to one event called The Club, paid EUR 50 and happy to see international performers, such as the professional whistler, magician, dancers and a guy playing music with just used bottles. Great shows. Not many audiences though.
I wandered also to Ponte di Rialto and Dorsoduro area.
San Marino
The third smallest country in Europe, the republic of the 3 towers.
Spectacular view from the towers.
The first tower (Torre Guaita or Prima Torre) and the second tower (Torre Cesta or Seconda Torre) can be entered with fee EUR 5.5 each.
Visited as day trip from Rimini.
Rimini
Since there was time between San Marino bus and the train, wandered this small city, famous for Roman ruins and the white beach during summer.
Arco Augusto, the huge arch gate, also one of the bus stop for San Marino bus, so I got off here on the way back from San Marino.
Tempio Malatestiano, the white marble church, built by a king for his ceased wife, so it is the Italian Taj Mahal.
Ponte di Tiberio, this bridge over a lake is beautiful. The shadow on the lake make circles with the bridge arches.
Accommodation
The Yellow (Rome)
http://www.the-yellow.com/
EUR 17.11 for 6 bed room.
So called party hostel.
There was policy that only people under 40 can stay in dormitory.
Located 5 minutes walk from Termini Station.
Youthful environment.
Some rooms and the bar are in the opposite building from the reception, make it less convenient. For example, when I reported a trouble of noise with the alarm system in the room, I had to go back and forth crossing the street to the reception, twice, since after my first report, it was not fixed.
Relatively well managed hostel.
The room was spacious and the bathroom was ensuite.
The bar or the street outside was quite loud, and the youngsters stayed late, so I used my ear plugs.
Towel is free, only if you ask for it.
Legends (Rome)
The 6 bed room is quite squeezed in such small space.
You got what you paid, since this hostel only cost EUR 11 (at Booking.com).
Shower room was ensuite, which is good, but towel is not provided.
They have 2 hostels, I think, I followed the direction given at Booking.com, when I was told by reception to go to the other Legend hostel (Legend RG) around the corner.
The girl in the reception, said to me that her credit card machine was broken, that I had to pay by cash, but later on, I saw her accepted other guest credit card payment by using credit card machine in other room.
The reception girl sent me to room no.4, told me to use any empty bed, but I couldn't find any clean empty bed, all beds were with things on it. So she came, then cleaned one bed for me, after asking other guest in the room which bed was empty, not really well managed.
Bed & Venice - Casa per Ferie la Pietà (Venice)
EUR 45 for 6 bed room, plus tax EUR 2.80. Only cash accepted.
Quite expensive, and the bathroom/toilet is outside the room, but the room is spacious and no bunk bed! The bed is made, and the towel is provided. The simple breakfast is included too. From the roof top we can see the view of the canal.
Centrally located, nearby ferry stop and withing 10 minutes walk from San Marco Square.
Eating
Domus Coffee Shop (San Marino)
Nearby the first tower.
This place was open, while other places were mostly close for holiday.
Had a nice spicy pizza lunch called Diavola (EUR 9) and a glass of local white wine (EUR 4.5).
Florian (Venice)
Very famous and old cafe just in San Marco Square.
Coffee can cost about EUR 10.
The tap water provided tasted awful.
Ordered the coffee with liquor inside, was tasty.
Rossopomodoro (Venice)
Popular eating place, recommended by the hostel staff, near San Marco Square.
Met one American girl who studied culinary in Milan, she said it was the only place in Venice that provides authentic Italian food.
Visited twice here, during lunch time where I ordered linguine with crab (EUR 18.50) and small beer (EUR 4).
During the dinner time, I ordered pizza with 3 tastes called Fru Fru (EUR 11.90), beer called birra rossa (EUR 4.60) and the ice cream dessert.
For me, the taste was good but not that wow.
The price is not cheap, but OK in Venice standard.
There is service fee EUR 2.
Rosticceria San Bartolomeo/ Rosticceria Gislon (Venice)
A very local place. You can have a quick meal, by ordering at the counter and eat standing there.
Cheaper. In the second floor there are tables, but I think more expensive.
In the first visit, for lunch, I ordered the squid black spaghetti here, less than EUR 10.
In the second visit on the same day, for dinner, I ordered a fish fillet and a glass of orange liquor, paid EUR 16.
Cities: Italy (Rome, Venice, Rimini), Vatican City and San Marino
Prepaid SIM Card
http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Italy
Not available in Rome Airport, but all major companies, i.e. TIM, Vodaphone, and Wind have their shops in Roma Termini train station. TIM has shops on the second floor and also in ground floor, Wind has in the first floor and ground floor.
I checked all 3 company shops, and decided to use TIM, paid EUR 22 for 4GB data. I remember Vodaphone offered EUR 25 for 2GB data and Wind offered EUR 20 for 2GB data.
Transportation
Rome Airport Transportation
Bus is the cheapest option, than the quicker Leonardo train (EUR 14).
There are 4 bus companies provided the transfer from airport to Termini station, all are located in the edge of Terminal 3. All companies provides similar price (one way EUR 4-6) and service, just take the nearest available bus is OK. Better not to book online. Buying return ticket is sometime cheaper, but we will be tied to use the same company when return.
Their stops in Roma Termini stations are different, while SIT and Terravision are at the north side, TAM and Schiaffini are at the south side of the station. Since most hotels located in the north side, SIT and Terravision are more convenient if you don't want to walk across the station to go to the other side.
http://www.terravision.eu/airport_transfer/bus-fiumicino-airport-rome/?
EUR 4 if buy online (originally EUR 6)
http://www.tambus.it/
to Termini station, always EUR 4
http://www.sitbusshuttle.com/en/
EUR 6
By train is EUR 14 with the express Leonardo direct to Termini Station or EUR 8 with other trains for other stations.
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en/Services/Fiumicino-Airport
Rome Airport
http://www.adr.it/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en-/pax-fco-fiumicino
There are 3 terminals, but all located within walkable distance.
Left luggage service is in the edge of Terminal 3, cost EUR 6 per 24 hours, cheaper than Termini station.
Roma Termini Train Station
Left luggage service (more expensive than airport), mobile phone stores and many shops.
Rome City Transportation
Metro and bus are cheap, single trip cost EUR 1.5.
Intercity Trains
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
Easily booked by their above website.
Advance online booking was cheaper.
Took Venice-Rimini and Rimini-Rome.
Rimini-Rome, had to transfer at Bologne, but the train arrived late, so I took the next available train, and reported to the conductor to get new seating.
Venice Airport Ferry
Getting from by ferry directly to the center Venice looks like a good option, but I think the combination of bus and ferry is cheaper and quicker.
The ferry terminal is about 15 minutes walk from the station, and the ferry is only every 30 minutes, takes about 45 minutes to the center.
The tickets can be bought in the airport in the arrival hall.
Since I stay nearby San Marco square and my main purpose was to see the carnival, I didn't buy any pass. To go around, buying pass is worthwhile since ferry fee for one way is EUR 7.5.
Bus Rimini - San Marino
Depart from outside Rimini Station, the bus stop is across the street, in front of Burger King.
The ticket can be bought at tourist office in front of Rimini station, as well as at the bus driver. One way EUR 5.
55 minutes.
Cities and Places
Vatican City
http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/MV_Home.html
This trip was a revenge trip, since 17 years ago, I was rejected to enter since I wore shorts, and had no long pants since it was summer.
Basically, it is divided into 2 big sections for tourist visit, St. Peter's Basilica with the dome and the Vatican Museum, famous with Sistine Chapel.
St. Peter's Basilica is free to enter, and many famous art features inside.
To climb the dome to the top, have to pay EUR 8 (for using lift) or EUR 5 (or EUR 6?!) for using step all the way. Even using the lift, still we have to climb 200 something steps more to the top.
I joined the official guided tour at Vatican Museum, bought the ticket online for EUR 32 (including booking fee EUR 4) since it was said buying at site we have to queue long line, but when I was there in winter afternoon, there was no queue.
Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo painting on the whole wall, was lower than my expectation, I think St.John Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta is more spectacular.
Rome
Visited here 17 years ago, so almost forgot what I visited before.
I joined a free tour, after searching at website.
I found 2 companies on the top of Google search:
1. http://www.romefreewalkingtour.com/
2. http://www.newromefreetour.com/
The first one is more free and relax, since people can just join directly in the meeting place in near Spanish step, while the second one, people have to register first online and have to bring the print-out otherwise people have to pay EUR 10 to join.
I joined the first one at 10:00, since it matched my schedule. The 10:00 tour is called Vatican City tour, started from Spanish Step and ended at Vatican City, matched to my schedule since I booked Vatican Museum tour at 14:00. The tour was quite enjoyable and the explanation of the official guide was good. She explained only official guide can do tour in Italy, that's why there is no Sanderman free tour in Italy like in other European cities, since hiring an official guide is too expensive for them.
Like always, joining the tour make me forget easily the places visited. I would remember better if I just go myself looking at the guide book.
So, I only remember the wow spot, i.e. Pantheon. This dome is spectacular.
I wanted to join the 17:00 of the second tour, but gave up since too tired. Instead I took the bus to Trevia Fountain and walked around.
Venice
Like Rome, it was my second time visiting here.
But this time, my main was to see the carnival.
http://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/
The carnival period was quite long, more than 2 weeks, started at 23 January and ended 7 February 2016.
I only saw the part on 30 and 31 January 2016.
On 30 January, the main was the parade of the 12 Maries (Feste delle Marie). The 12 girls were carried by 4 men, from a church to the stage in San Marco Square.
On 31 January, the main was the Flying of the Angel, i.e. the winner of last year Mary was flying from the the top of the bell tower to the stage down there.
All days, many people wearing fancy baroque style costumes and masks, heave for photographers.
In the evening, the carnival place moved to Arsenale, about 20 minutes walk from San Marco Square, where there were street performers, music concert and fireworks.
On 31 January, I went also to one event called The Club, paid EUR 50 and happy to see international performers, such as the professional whistler, magician, dancers and a guy playing music with just used bottles. Great shows. Not many audiences though.
I wandered also to Ponte di Rialto and Dorsoduro area.
San Marino
The third smallest country in Europe, the republic of the 3 towers.
Spectacular view from the towers.
The first tower (Torre Guaita or Prima Torre) and the second tower (Torre Cesta or Seconda Torre) can be entered with fee EUR 5.5 each.
Visited as day trip from Rimini.
Rimini
Since there was time between San Marino bus and the train, wandered this small city, famous for Roman ruins and the white beach during summer.
Arco Augusto, the huge arch gate, also one of the bus stop for San Marino bus, so I got off here on the way back from San Marino.
Tempio Malatestiano, the white marble church, built by a king for his ceased wife, so it is the Italian Taj Mahal.
Ponte di Tiberio, this bridge over a lake is beautiful. The shadow on the lake make circles with the bridge arches.
Accommodation
The Yellow (Rome)
http://www.the-yellow.com/
EUR 17.11 for 6 bed room.
So called party hostel.
There was policy that only people under 40 can stay in dormitory.
Located 5 minutes walk from Termini Station.
Youthful environment.
Some rooms and the bar are in the opposite building from the reception, make it less convenient. For example, when I reported a trouble of noise with the alarm system in the room, I had to go back and forth crossing the street to the reception, twice, since after my first report, it was not fixed.
Relatively well managed hostel.
The room was spacious and the bathroom was ensuite.
The bar or the street outside was quite loud, and the youngsters stayed late, so I used my ear plugs.
Towel is free, only if you ask for it.
Legends (Rome)
The 6 bed room is quite squeezed in such small space.
You got what you paid, since this hostel only cost EUR 11 (at Booking.com).
Shower room was ensuite, which is good, but towel is not provided.
They have 2 hostels, I think, I followed the direction given at Booking.com, when I was told by reception to go to the other Legend hostel (Legend RG) around the corner.
The girl in the reception, said to me that her credit card machine was broken, that I had to pay by cash, but later on, I saw her accepted other guest credit card payment by using credit card machine in other room.
The reception girl sent me to room no.4, told me to use any empty bed, but I couldn't find any clean empty bed, all beds were with things on it. So she came, then cleaned one bed for me, after asking other guest in the room which bed was empty, not really well managed.
Bed & Venice - Casa per Ferie la Pietà (Venice)
EUR 45 for 6 bed room, plus tax EUR 2.80. Only cash accepted.
Quite expensive, and the bathroom/toilet is outside the room, but the room is spacious and no bunk bed! The bed is made, and the towel is provided. The simple breakfast is included too. From the roof top we can see the view of the canal.
Centrally located, nearby ferry stop and withing 10 minutes walk from San Marco Square.
Eating
Domus Coffee Shop (San Marino)
Nearby the first tower.
This place was open, while other places were mostly close for holiday.
Had a nice spicy pizza lunch called Diavola (EUR 9) and a glass of local white wine (EUR 4.5).
Florian (Venice)
Very famous and old cafe just in San Marco Square.
Coffee can cost about EUR 10.
The tap water provided tasted awful.
Ordered the coffee with liquor inside, was tasty.
Rossopomodoro (Venice)
Popular eating place, recommended by the hostel staff, near San Marco Square.
Met one American girl who studied culinary in Milan, she said it was the only place in Venice that provides authentic Italian food.
Visited twice here, during lunch time where I ordered linguine with crab (EUR 18.50) and small beer (EUR 4).
During the dinner time, I ordered pizza with 3 tastes called Fru Fru (EUR 11.90), beer called birra rossa (EUR 4.60) and the ice cream dessert.
For me, the taste was good but not that wow.
The price is not cheap, but OK in Venice standard.
There is service fee EUR 2.
Rosticceria San Bartolomeo/ Rosticceria Gislon (Venice)
A very local place. You can have a quick meal, by ordering at the counter and eat standing there.
Cheaper. In the second floor there are tables, but I think more expensive.
In the first visit, for lunch, I ordered the squid black spaghetti here, less than EUR 10.
In the second visit on the same day, for dinner, I ordered a fish fillet and a glass of orange liquor, paid EUR 16.
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