{"id":3782,"date":"2013-02-06T06:48:31","date_gmt":"2013-02-06T13:48:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/?p=3782"},"modified":"2014-04-14T13:20:20","modified_gmt":"2014-04-14T19:20:20","slug":"dream-italian-vacation-part-ii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/?p=3782","title":{"rendered":"Dream Italian Vacation Part II"},"content":{"rendered":"

We’ve already take you on the first part of your dream Italian vacation<\/a>, but now let’s complete the rest of the dream.\u00a0 It’s taken you from Milano to the Italian Rivera. \u00a0Then we traveled through the picturesque Cinqueterre<\/a> and onto the famous Florence. \u00a0If you’re not salivating now, then you definitely haven’t been bitten by the bug. Now it’s time to round the corner and see the rest of Northern Italy.<\/p>\n

Italian Vacation Stop 4: Bologna<\/h2>\n

Don’t let the name of this city stop you from wanting to go there. \u00a0Let’s be honest…coming to school with a bologna sandwich definitely merited the laughs of your schoolmates. \u00a0The flavor was never exciting either, but this will not be the case for your culinary experience in Bologna. \u00a0They’re known for their food, so loosen the belt buckle, and enjoy every meal.<\/p>\n

You’re in the land of FAST cars here. \u00a0Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ducati, and more all have production facilities in this area. \u00a0You probably won’t be allowed to tour any of their facilities, but to even see where they are made would suffice. \u00a0I’ll never forget the Lambo that passed me when I was driving on the Autostrada in Northern Italy. \u00a0It passed me like a bullet. \u00a0It was incredible.<\/p>\n

\"Court<\/a>

Court of Emperor Justinian with (right) archbishop Maximian and (left) court officials and Praetorian Guards; Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)<\/p><\/div>\n

Another stop that is out of town, but relatively close to Bologna is Ravenna, Italy. \u00a0Here you’ll find \u00a0the Basilica of San Vitale<\/a>, where you’ll encounter the Mosaic of Justinian, which is one of the most well preserved Mosaics of its time. \u00a0My college humanities class required me to recognize it, and I’ve never forgotten it since.<\/p>\n

If you’re motivated by the number of countries that you’ve visited (I admit, I’ve got a problem here), then you might make a quick run to San Marino, which is a massive 24 square miles. \u00a0Don’t blink or you just might miss the fact that you were there.<\/p>\n

If you’re into the school thing, then you should stop by the University of Bologna. \u00a0It is the oldest University in Europe, which basically puts it as on of the oldest in the world.<\/p>\n

You’ll be stretching your legs and hitting the pillow at the Sheraton Bologna Hotel<\/a>. \u00a0Your Starwood Preferred Guest credit card will give you this room as it takes either 3k or 4k points per night.<\/p>\n

Italian Vacation Stop 5: Padova\/Venice<\/h2>\n

\"Italian<\/a>I’m really excited to send you to this hotel. \u00a0I stayed there personally in April of 2012 and had a great stay. \u00a0Our two nights at the property were everything that you’d hope for in a hotel. \u00a0They had great customer service and free WiFi in the lobby. \u00a0The beds were nice and we were even welcomed with a free bottle of champagne with our room. \u00a0As it had always been a dream of mine to shake up a bottle of champagne and then pop the cork, I knew this was my moment. \u00a0I went into the bathroom (don’t tell the hotel) and shook up the bottle until I felt like it was ready. \u00a0I removed the wrapping, undid the wire, and popped the cork in the shower. \u00a0It made a huge mess and the bathroom smelled like champagne for a couple of hours. \u00a0(Please don’t try this at home) The best part is you can leave your wallet behind (except a small city tax) and you’ll just owe 3k-4k points for the night. \u00a0Can’t beat free nights.<\/p>\n

This place will be your springboard to Venice. \u00a0Staying here will keep your costs down of going to Venice. \u00a0Plus hauling your luggage to the hotel would be a nightmare. Take the free shuttle that the hotel has to downtown Padova, then take the train to Venice. \u00a0It should take you about an hour to get there, but it will be worth it.<\/p>\n

Venice is going to be everything that you’ve dreamed about. \u00a0Everywhere you look is the cover of a magazine. \u00a0Every alleyway and every bridge is picture worthy as well. \u00a0You won’t be able to stop yourself from snapping away. \u00a0So make sure that your batteries are charged, because you’ll be going picture crazy!<\/p>\n

\"Venice<\/a>

San Rialto<\/p><\/div>\n

Sitting on the Grand Canal having a pizza and pasta is a MUST-do. \u00a0The pizzas are actually rather affordable, so take a seat and enjoy one. \u00a0I know it is a shameless thing to do, but we would always stop at the grocery stores and buy bottles of water, so we wouldn’t pay the overpriced small bottles that each restaurant offered. \u00a0Remember that it isn’t America, and the waiters aren’t kicking you out of your chair the minute that stuff the last bite. \u00a0Things outside of America are usually at a much slower pace. \u00a0Work hard to fight the urge to lunge out of your chair the minute you’re finished eating. \u00a0Remember that the setting of your dinner will probably never be so unique again. \u00a0Soak it up and sit for a while.<\/p>\n

\"Gandola<\/a>Ok, taking the gondola isn’t cheap, but remember that your hotel tonight is FREE. \u00a0So pull out the 100 Euros and pay the man with the hat. \u00a0I never could get our “driver” to sing for us even though I was shameless enough to ask. \u00a0They have a “small tour” and a “big tour.” \u00a0We opted for the big tour that included a loop under the San Rialto bridge, by Casanova’s house, and seeing Marco Polo’s house as well.<\/p>\n

Download the Rick Steve’s Europe App for your iPhone and listen to his tutorial as you visit San Marco’s Basilica. \u00a0He walks you through the whole building and talks about the decorations, the mosaics, and much more. \u00a0It will enrich your experience of the tour.<\/p>\n

Make sure you watch the video “Ancient Mysteries: The Miraculous Canals of Venice” on Netflix before your trip too. \u00a0It will enrich your experience as you have a better understanding of how the place was made.<\/p>\n

Pick up your favorite Venetian Masquerade Mask as a handy souvenir. \u00a0You’ll never regret it.<\/p>\n

Italian Vacation Stop 6: Bolzano, Italy<\/h2>\n

Leaving Venice will be tough, but remember that you’ve still got so much to see. \u00a0It’s the only way you’ll ever be able to say goodbye. \u00a0Otherwise you might stay forever. \u00a0Take a quick stop in Verona on the way to Bolzano, because there is a ton to do there.<\/p>\n

In Verona I recommend you:<\/p>\n