Tips for AirBnb Italy: Where to stay in Florence and Rome

Originally thought of as only a step up from couch surfing, Airbnb has caught on with family travelers in the US. But what about using Airbnb while traveling abroad? We used Airbnb exclusively throughout Italy, and found the process to be just as secure and convenient as in the states. If anything, Airbnb Italy owners were even easier to work with, and the lodging savings were even better!

airbnb-italy

Airbnb Italy: Where to stay in Florence and Rome

When renting with Airbnb, it can be hard to know much about the apartment owner or manager. Will he or she be the type to welcome you with a bottle of wine and a binder of suggested itineraries, or be more hands off? You can’t be certain, but while reading reviews, look for information about the owner in addition to the apartment itself. The ‘best’ owners will receive glowing reviews of their own.

We had the pleasure of staying in this lovely Florence apartment, which was only steps from the central Ponte Vecchio bridge. Tucked away behind a pottery shop, this apartment was absolutely ideal. (The photo above is the actual entrance to this apartment.) Better yet, no one was using the owner’s second apartment rental, and she graciously offered our family both. For the first time in a week, our family of five was able to spread out. Our owner was the ‘bottle of wine upon arrival’ type, and even scoured the neighborhood for Christmas Day restaurant reservations for us. Truly, this was above and beyond.

airbnb-apartment

The apartment we rented had a living room, bedroom with extra day bed, and pull-out bed to sleep five. There was a full kitchen (without oven…just stove top) and a dining table. All the little things were there: a hair dryer, shampoo and soap, detergent, and kitchen staples such as olive oil and coffee filters. A grocery store was located just around the corner.

airbnb-florence

We had a small patio and air conditioning and heat, plus the second apartment with all the same amenities. In fact, the apartment layouts are almost identical. The only exception: the bedroom is bigger in the lower apartment and the living space is bigger in the upper apartment.

In Rome, we rented from Airbnb again, and again, we had a great experience with the owner in terms of the accommodations, communication, and ease. We rented this unit, which was located in an upper middle class neighborhood directly on the Tiber. We were in easy walking distance of the Vatican area, a ten minute walk to Piazza Populo and Villa Borghese, and only meters from the Metro station where we could grab a train to other points in the city. Our longest ‘commute’ was to the Centro Storico (old city) where we spent a lot of time. It was a thirty minute walk without much in terms of metro access, but the entire way was scenic.

rome-apartment

This apartment was by far the roomiest we had in Europe, with two bathrooms (a luxury!) and three bedrooms (one of which could be a living room space instead). The kitchen is very small, but we used it for snacks and breakfasts, opting to eat out for dinners. The grocery store is just around the corner, though it does close early and open late by American standards. We felt very secure here, as the apartment building had a doorman and a very elegant lobby. We loved all the space we enjoyed here; our only complaint: the street noise could get loud. I used ear plugs.

What to expect with any Airbnb rental in Italy:

  • Communication from the owner. You should hear from them within a week of your check-in date, with detailed instructions for finding the apartment and asking about your arrival time. Download the AirBnB app for the easiest communication.
  • Personal greeting. You will be met at the apartment by the owner or manager and given a tour.
  • A per-night, per-person lodging fee. This is paid in cash to the owner (usually at the end of the stay). It’s 2,50 euro per person, per night in most cases.
  • Feedback left for you after you depart. Remember to leave the owner feedback as well. This helps both of you for future trips.

What to expect only sometimes:

  • Some apartments require a deposit, usually in cash, which is returned before your departure. It will be disclosed whether this is required in the apartment description on AirBnB.
  • Some will have a bottle of Italian wine ready for you to uncork. Others won’t even have a bottle opener in the house. You just never know!

The Rome you may have missed: Why book a Walks of Italy tour

For anyone who can say, “I’ve seen the major sights of Rome, what next?” the answer is Walks of Italy’s Hidden Gems and Ancient Wonders tour. Perfect for adults and teens, this 3.5 hour tour dips in and out of the city and suburbs or Rome to hit upon a somewhat arbitrary yet completely fascinating bouquet of small stops. None of the sights on the tour take more than thirty minutes to view, and with stops ranging in topic from Jewish history to cannon fire to aqueducts, there’s something for everyone.

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What to expect on a Walks of Italy tour:

Before the tour, we honestly thought 3.5 hours might be a little long. In fact, the time flew by, no doubt due to our funny and passionate guide, Andrea. It also didn’t hurt that unlike every other day in Rome, we were mostly off our feet, hopping in and out of a luxury van.

We only had eleven people in our group (three of which were from our family), which meant we were not one of the massive tour groups walking around the city. We started at Piazza Venezia, where we learned about the history of the buildings there and glimpsed the second century ruins that most overlook (away from the Forum). We then walked the short distance to the Jewish Ghetto and Jewish colosseum, where we learned about the history of Jewish Romans from the time the ghetto was established in the 1500s to the Nazi occupation.

jewish-ghetto

We got in our van, and drove past the Circus Maximus and Palatine Hill to view something I’d been hoping to see in Rome: the view of St. Peter’s from the keyhole of the Knights of Malta. This brotherhood swore to protect the Vatican, hence the symbolic placing of the keyhole. It really is magical to peek inside this unassuming keyhole and see St. Peter’s dome perfectly framed there…like looking into some secret porthole. And while I’d read about this wonder in a guidebook, no way could I have found it on my own!

We then headed out the Appian Way, passing the Baths of Caracalla and stopping at the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella. While I’d been on the Appian way in the past, I’d never known there was so much in this area besides the many catacombs. We learned about the road, stopping to walk along it, see the chariot groves in the stone, and learn about the purpose and use of the road. From here, we went to the Park of the Aqueducts, which is actually just a large space with well preserved stretches of aqueduct. In other words, had we gone out here on our own, we really wouldn’t have known what we were looking at, precisely. In fact, each stop Andrea took us to was something we’d never be able to navigate or learn about on our own.

rome-drinking-fountain

We finished the tour with a few more ‘drive by’ views and a stop at Janiculum Hill, where every day at noon, a cannon blast is set off to let the churches know when to ring their bells. Today, traffic obscures the cannon shot in most neighborhoods, which is why we had not heard it once in our five days in Rome! We certainly heard it from the hill! This is great place to take photos of the city, too. Finally, we drove down a particular street with a view of St. Peter’s dome that creates an optical illusion due to the street’s size and curve of its sidewalk: as you drive closer to the dome, it actually appears to grow smaller. This is yet another small tidbit of Rome I never would have discovered on my own.

roman-aquaduct

We stopped several times for bathroom breaks and/or food breaks along the way, each time at a nice cafe with a friendly staff and great atmosphere. Snacks were on our own; our 11-year-old had the best pastry he found in Rome at one next to the Jewish Ghetto. Again, this tour should not be your first activity in the city, as it won’t hit the headliners, but is rather the perfect thing to do with your last morning in the city, or during repeat visits.

How to book:

appian-way

It’s easy to book your tour directly through Walks of Italy. We booked online, and printed our confirmation email, which also listed our meeting time and location (just look for the person holding a Walks of Italy sign). They also do tours of the biggies, like the Colosseum and Vatican. They do offer lower prices for kids. Grab breakfast before you go, bring water, and try to be at your meeting point about 10 minutes before the tour time listed.

As we disclose whenever applicable, Walks of Italy offered us a media rate for this tour, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.

Exploring Christmas markets in Belgium

For our upcoming European vacation on a budget, we researched Christmas markets in France, Italy, and Belgium. While the country is still on high alert as officials ensure safety following the Paris terrorist acts, sources from both Flanders and Visit Brussels say that as of this posting, Christmas markets in the area will proceed as planned. Here’s what we learned about exploring Christmas markets in Belgium.

christmas-market

Brussels

Known as Winter Wonders, Brussels’ Christmas market is centered around the Grand-Place, where holiday lights take center stage. Check out this video of the holiday light show. It’s easily the most populated market, thanks to easy access from other European cities. The market stalls run over 2 km, and are augmented by merry-go-rounds on Place Sainte-Catherine, and a large wheel and ice rink at Marché aux Poissons. Note: it would seem any Christmas market worth its salt has at least a rink and a wheel in addition to shopping stalls. The Brussels market opens November 27th and runs through January 3rd.

Tip: Please note that Brussels is still at a high security alert. Be aware of your surroundings if and when enjoying the sights at any large gathering.

Ghent

Ghent tends to be less popular with tourists than nearby Bruges and more medieval than Brussels. The Christmas market here is where you’ll likely want to spend the majority of your time exploring. The ice skating rink sits in the city pavilion, and the ferris wheel is located in front of St. Bavo’s. The entire downtown area is very walkable, which makes it a great market to visit if you’re relying on public transit or want to park your car in a public lot outside town (advised).

Bruges

Looking for a postcard perfect Christmas? Medieval Bruges sets a beautiful backdrop. This Unesco World Heritage site shines during the holidays, with an ice skating rink, holiday stalls and a ferris wheel. Be sure to see the Snow & Ice Sculpture Festival, held in a massive thermal tent. The Bruges market opens November 20th and runs through January 3rd.

Antwerp

Antwerp’s market runs for a short time period, from December 15th through December 27th. Located in the city at the Groenplaats, lights and music set the backdrop to plenty of hot chocolate sipping, pastry eating and Glühwein drinking (a mulled wine that’s a specialty at Antwerp). The nativity scene is set against the backdrop of a historic building, and of course there’s an ice skating rink.

bruges

General tips for visiting Belgium Christmas markets:

  • Market hours: All markets generally run from noon or 1 pm to 9 or 10 pm, nightly. All have FREE entry, though parking fees may exist.
  • How to get there: EuroStar connects Brussels with both Paris and London, making it possible to make a day or overnight trip without a car. If you’re looking to explore further afield, like we are, you’ll need to take the train (Brussels to Ghent is only 30 minutes) or rent a car. As of this writing, EuroStar trains are running on schedule.
  • Foods to try: Start with chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. Then indulge in the world of Belgian waffles. You’ll need to choose between the Brussels waffle and the Liege waffle. Actually, forget choosing. Try both. Stalls of roasted chestnuts, frites (french fries), and donuts are also abundant. You’ll even find German offerings like wursts and other grilled meats and sausages. And Mom and Dad: try mulled wine and specialty ales crafted for the holidays. Bottom line: come hungry.
  • What to buy: Belgium Christmas markets are known for ceramics like beer steins and pitchers, plus knit clothing (look for fun hats and scarves). Of course, you’ll also find holiday decorations galore, plus handcrafted trinkets and jewelry.
  • Tips: Bundle up, as you’ll be spending a number of hours outdoors in the cold. Don’t forget light gloves and a hat. Most ice skating rinks are free of charge if you have your own skates, or skates can be rented in larger market areas.

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christmas market

Photo credit 1 and 2

Have you been to a Belgium Christmas market? Which one?

Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with Alamo. All opinions my own.

 

Scotland barge cruise tips: Seeing Scotland by waterway

Scotland barge river cruises are gaining in popularity by the minute, and it’s easy to understand why: these itineraries allow for all-inclusive convenience and luxury without sacrificing the intimate look at local scenery and culture lost when booking a larger ocean cruise.

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Scotland barge cruise tips:

Scotland, with its canals and locks, is an especially ideal country to explore by waterway. A Scotland barge cruise should hit a varied mixture of must-sees, including plenty of lochs, castles and ruins, quaint villages, and countryside sporting that unique blend between domestic and ruggedly wild only Scotland can quite pull off. Adult and solo travelers have plenty of outfitters to choose from,

Pick an itinerary that travels the Caledonian Canal

Most barge cruise operators float this canal, which runs between Banavie in the south to Inverness in the north. The Caledonian is actually a series of smaller canals connecting four natural lakes: Loch Lachy, Loch Oich, Loch Dochfour and Loch Ness. Along the way, cruises float directly past multiple castles, battlefields, and lochs, including Urquhart Castle and the infamous Loch Ness. Highlights include Neptune’s Staircase at Corpath, a stop for all barges, and Cawdor Castle, home of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

urquhart-castle

Expect luxury

All small ship cruises are on the higher end of the vacation pricing scale, but Scotland barge cruises are especially expensive (and luxurious). Because of the narrow size of the canals in Scotland, barges must be smaller than even industry standard for small ship cruises, with passenger lists as small as six and large as 15. The smaller, more intimate the cruise, the more luxurious you can expect it to be. For the best value, consider European Waterways or Cruising Holidays. On the higher end of the scale, go all out with A&K or  Hebridean.

Cruising with kids

Scotland barge cruises make for incredibly kid-friendly vacations by their very definition: this type of European holiday is all about exploration, activity, and new sights and sounds daily. Parents can leave the itinerary planning and meal preparations up to the cruise operator, a godsend when on the go in a foreign country with kids. All this said, while looking to book a barge cruise, be prepared to book the entire barge for your family alone, should you be bringing school-aged kids. Due to the small size of barges, this is a requirement of every cruising company I’ve found (and was a requirement when our family cruised). At first, the idea of booking an ‘entire barge’ for a single family seemed over the top, until I realized that with even a family of 8-10, you’d be booking your own barge anyway. Invite the grandparents and cousins, and you’re set.

scottish-highlands

Barge cruise add-ons

Once on the canal, your itinerary will be set. Most barge cruises stop for the majority of a day at major sites along the way, giving visitors plenty of time at lochs and villages. Look for a barge operator that stows cruiser bikes onboard; you’ll want these to explore village streets and cycle paths. For almost all stops, it will be easy to navigate the area on foot or bike, but after arrival at Inverness, plan to stay a few extra days at this gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Rent a car, and spend 2-3 days exploring the greater region. See more of the Urquhart area, including 4,000-year-old Corrimony Chambered Cairn, in Glen Urquhart, and take a Loch Ness Monster tour. See Plodda Falls, six miles from Cannich Village, and the Culloden battlefield, the final battle of the Jacobite Rising of 1745. All these sites are a short drive from Inverness.

This post is written in partnership with Enterprise. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit: Dave Conner and Lacegna, Flickr