Past Culture Warriors have reported happy visits to the following places in Italy:

North of Rome

Florence

Venice

Cinque Terre

Siena

South of Rome, and near one another:

Sorrento (and Capri and the Amalfi Coast)

     [Students in 2012 enjoyed staying at the Bussola Hotel in Anacapri (on Capri)]

Pompeii

Ischia

Italian train schedules: http://www.trenitalia.com/

"Le Frecce" means "the arrows," and it refers to the fast trains. To search for all trains, including the locals, click "tutti i treni."

English language site: http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=ad1ce14114bc9110VgnVCM10000080a3e90aRCRD 

On getting to Siena: consider bus

https://boa.busbookingline.it/web/eurolines/application/booking/tripSolutions.php?PHPSESSID=8b97io88e3h89jtqs6sano1153

General bus info: http://www.sena.it/ 

They have recommended the following hostels:

In Florence: "Luna Rossa" on Via Nazionale, owned by Marco, with help on day trips and free internet.

MORE ADVICE FROM PREVIOUS STUDENTS

-Places to Visit-

-Before or After-

·         Cinque Terre- Five different towns connected by hiking trails, a river, and train. The hiking is highly recommended and the views are spectacular. Most students stayed in Riomaggiore (the Southern-most town).

·         Florence- Great larger city filled with historical sites and art. If possible take a day bike or vineyard tour in the Tuscany countryside. The Tuscany Bike Tour Company (http://www.tuscany-biketours.com/) is one possible tour which previous students have enjoyed.

·         Venice- Is unlike any other city you will visit. A nice place to relax before or after the course in Rome.

-In Rome-

·         Chiesa del Sacro Nome di Gesù- This church requires a little walk, but is well worth it. The church is filled with art, and the nave is lined with ornate chandeliers. If you decide to visit this church spend some time looking through the multiple churches in the area. 

·         The Bone Church- Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini is located near the Barberini metro stop near the Villa Borghese is a unique church with a very interesting crypt. Make sure you are properly dressed for a Catholic Church.

·         Galleria Nazionale D'Arte Antica- Palazzo Barberini- Located near the Barberini metro stop this smaller gallery contains a beautiful ceiling fresco and a few Bernini busts.

·         Pizza- If you are looking for the best Pizza in Rome you don't need to go far. Simply look for the small neon pizza sign located less then a block north of the convent on Via de Serpenti

-Recommended Hostels-

·         Hostel Alessandro-Is really close to Termini, includes a free breakfast and 30min of internet usage. http://www.hostelsalessandro.com/

·         Hotello di Roma- Comfortable and safe with friendly staff.

-Tips on packing-

·         Shoes- There will be a lot of walking on cobblestones, a good pair of shoes is necessary.

·         Allergy Medicine- Even if you don't normally have allergies, be prepared to experience them. In 2009, only one student did not suffer from allergies on the trip.

·         Clothing- Make sure to have enough clothes suitable for churches. Plan on church visits multiple days in a row.

·         Classes- Limit what you carry for the day. Stick with a small bag containing money, a camera, a small notebook, a map, and a water bottle.

-Travel Tips-

·         Eating- Try out the restaurants near the convent; by not hitting the main streets you can find great food for much less.

·         Trains- For longer journeys buy tickets a few days in advance at the train station. The Italian Rail pass is often more expensive and problematic then just buying the tickets as you need them.

Traveling- By the end of the trip everyone will be friends. Don’t be afraid to make travel arrangements with classmates before the trip.