Italy Lovers

Well, it's a sign of the times we live in. You used to be able to just to to a foreign country and use your credit card but these days it is better to call your credit card company ahead of time. Better add that to your checklist of trip preparations.

Here is a link to an excellent article about getting your credit cards ready to travel.

Once you've see the major sites in Rome that are in all the guidebooks, it's time to venture out a little.

Why not check out the Appian Way? Dating from 312 bc, it is one of the oldest roads in Rome and the site of much history. Followers of Spartacus were crucified here, and it is said that St Peter met Jesus here during his flight from Rome.

There are several ways to enjoy a visit there. The choices range from taking a siteseeing bus called the Archeobus, walking or bicycling. The official website, the Parco Regionale Appia Antica, (fortunately also in English) is very handy. It has pages showing the itinerary for the Archeobus, several walking routes, bicycle paths, and places to rent bicycles for the day.

You will find cafes along the way (so civilized don't you think) so you will be able to refresh with a cappuccino and a panino or even something more substantial.

If you are lucky enough to be going to Florence this year, the Florence Tourist Board has a promotion going for U.S. travelers. With the dollars/euro exchange rate the way it is these days, we need all the help we can get.

Here is a link to the page about the promotional campaign called The Fiorino Effect.

That site is packed with good information for tourists so it's a good reference.