One Summer in Europe – the backpacking Europe podcast

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After a warm-up to wonderful Italy in Florence, we arrive at the great capital city of Rome, history’s epicenter in many ways.

The treasures of Rome are both ancient and modern and not to be missed by any European traveler. This city constantly stimulates the senses – sights, sounds, smells, and tastes.

With so many attractions to cover around Rome, we recommend four nights and five days here after arriving after a short train trip from Florence.

On this episode, Dean and I talk about:

• initial tips and pointers to make the most of a visit to Rome
• my favorite crazy Roman emperor
• a walk around the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and Colosseum, imaging those who once walked here long before
• our favorite piazzas and other more modern sights around town
• a trip over to Vatican City to check out Catholic Rome and the unbelievable St. Peters cathedral and Sistine Chapel
• a possible day trip to Pompeii for the ambitious
• gelato, pizza, and other tasty things to fatten up on in Rome

TRANSPORT IN
Trenitalia (Italian train system)

ACCOMMODATION
One Summer in Europe (Rome hostel and budget hotel search)

SIGHTSEEING
Colosseum
Roman Forum
Palatine Hill
Pantheon
Piazza Navona
Spanish Steps
Trevi Fountain
St. Peters Basilica
Sistine Chapel
Villa Borghese
One Summer in Europe (miscellaneous sightseeing activities in Rome)

TRANSPORT OUT
Trenitalia (Italian train system)
Jadrolinija (Croatian ferry system for Bari-Dubrovnik ferry)

After five intense days in Rome, most people need a break from the super-hectic atmosphere. Our next destination will be perfect for relaxation, the stunning Dalmatian coast of Croatia…

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Nestled upon the quiet Ligurian Sea, Cinque Terre is a string of five scenic Italian villages. A visit to Cinque Terre is like stepping back in time, as these old-world villages provide a glimpse into a different way of life than the modern hustle that we are used to. It also makes a peaceful interlude between busy cities like Florence and Rome.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre offers visitors a chance to wander steep and narrow streets past charming brightly-colored houses. To get a feeling of a true fishing village, as the small boats come and go early in the morning. To sample authentic Italian culinary delights, whether a fresh seafood dish, pasta with pesto sauce (pesto originated here), or after-dinner gelato. To hike from town to town and feel the gentle sea breeze in your hair.

The best approach into Cinque Terre is from the larger town of La Spezia, about 15-20 minutes by train from the south. La Spezia is not far from Pisa and only a couple hours from Florence.

The towns from south to north are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazzo, and Monterosso. The trains connecting each time come every 10-15 minutes and the next town is only a couple minutes away. One could see most of Cinque Terre in a busy day starting or ending in Florence or possibly Rome. Adding Cinque Terre to your backpacking Europe itinerary for even a day is highly recommended.

Cinque Terre, Italy

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After several stops in France and Spain, we finally make our first appearance in Italy with a couple days in Florence, the home of the very important Renaissance movement.

Florence is an absolute must-see for the curious traveler, with its wealth of historic and cultural treasures. For a city of its modest size, one could argue that no other city has had more influence on today’s world than this Tuscan gem. Florence is a town where legends once lived and worked and you can still feel their greatness today.

Two nights and two busy days in Florence should be enough to see the top sights before moving on to the Italian capital of Rome.

In this episode, Dean and I talk about:

• the amazing history and influence of Renaissance Florence on the world, unleashing the fullness of human potential around the world
• visiting the famous cultural sites of Florence
• the Stendhall Syndrome, a very common affliction in Florence
• possible day trips near Florence within the Tuscan region
• initial thoughts on our next destination, Rome

TRANSPORT IN
SNCF (French train system)
Trenitalia (Italian train system)

ACCOMMODATION
One Summer in Europe (Florence hostel and budget hotel search)

SIGHTSEEING
Duomo (famous Cathedral of Florence)
Giotto’s Tower (campanile outside the Duomo)
Baptistry (with the famous bronze doors)
Uffizi Gallery (great art museum)
Accademia (home of the statue of David by Michelangelo)
Piazza della Signoria (heart of city center)
Palazzo Vecchio (famous palace)
Ponte Vecchio (famous bridge over the Arno River)
Vasari’s Corridor
Boboli Gardens (quiet and scenic retreat across the river)
One Summer in Europe (miscellaneous sightseeing activities)

TRANSPORT OUT
Trenitalia (Italian train system)

Now that we have been properly introduced to Italy, we move on to the big prize, the eternal city of Rome. Join us as we discuss one of the most fantastic cities in the world….

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