Tina80

5 minutes ago, 9265359 said:

 

And if you can, add one or more to your phone so you can pay contactlessly - everywhere in Europe takes contactless payments.

Such a brilliant idea, I have Apple pay added, hope that works. Thank you

13 hours ago, Hlitner said:

We get all of our cash via ATM and normally have 3 different ATM/Debit cards each drawn on a different account in a different bank.  This gives us back up in case a card gets lost, stolen or compromised.  As to how much one needs, it will vary by person and spending patterns.  On trips that just involve cruise ports, we normally do not spend much other than restaurant meals.  On our longer European trips (we do not generally take tours) we might be talking thousands of Euros since we may need to pay cash for rental properties.   With private apartment rentals, not everyone will accept a credit card. 

 

Cruisers who only book cruise line or pre-paid private excursions may not need much cash unless they are big time shoppers.  Since we are very independent travelers (I sometimes refer to "tour" as a 4 letter word that we avoid) our need for cash/credit cards may be a lot more than folks who rely on excursions.

 

Hank

Thanks much, I really appreciate your help. Especially the tip regarding taking multiple credit cards with us.

2 hours ago, Hlitner said:

We agree with CruiserBruce, that both Visa and MC are widely accepted.  However, fifty years of extensive travel have taught me to be prepared for the exceptions, and this does happen.  There are still some places/vendors that do not accept credit cards (especially in parts of Italy) and other places might offer a nice discount if you pay in Euros.  The other issue is that you may find yourself at a shop or restaurant when their card reader fails.  If this happens and you do not have enough cash, you might need to run out to the closest ATM (for which you need an ATM/Debit card that works).  Our personal rule is to always carry enough cash (Euros) to cover a tab (especially in restaurants) just in case.

 

It is always wise to notify your issuing bank and credit card company of your upcoming trip.  This helps avoid any possible security issue due to the unusual use of your card in a foreign land.  Some cards no longer want this information but if you are not aware of their current policy, given them a call.  We recently ran into this situation (2 weeks ago) while shopping in Rhodes Town (Greece).  DW bought an outfit and I handed the clerk my Visa.  The Visa reader failed.  We could have waited a few minutes (hoping the system came back online) but I had enough Euros to cover the cost.  The clerk was grateful and countered with a nice discount (for cash).

 

Hank

 

 

Hank, thank you for your helpful reply. And also cor the reminder to call the credit card company. How much do you usually take with you for a two week vacation assuming you have all your excursions and tours paid for but will be visiting Rome and Milan for a couoke of days each?

15 minutes ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

If you have an iPhone you can use the routes features in Apple Maps. You tap the attraction you want to see and it will map it out for you, with directions. Even better if you have an Apple Watch, you'll get maps on your wrist and don't need to look at your phone while you're walking. It works very very well in big European cities. 

Such a great idea, thank you

17 hours ago, PurpleTraveller said:

 

I personally take around €100 (I usually have left over Euros from a previous trip) in smaller denominations as it can be difficult to use €50 notes at small shops or at a market. If I need more I then use a local ATM attached to a bank. Some people don't use any cash but it really depends on your spending habits when on vacation and I always like to have cash with me. 

 

The port shuttle at Civitavecchia costs €6.00 each paid to the driver as they do not accept credit cards. You can buy a combined train and port shuttle ticket but I always buy them separately in case we decide to walk or get a taxi at Civitavecchia. 

 

Thank you for your reply, very helpful

20 hours ago, PurpleTraveller said:

Credit cards are widely accepted in Europe including in Italy, Greece and Turkey. You can either get a small amount of Euros from a local ATM in Europe (I always try to use an ATM at a bank which is open in case of any problem) or from home before you leave (there may be a minimum amount to order). You should not need a large sum of cash since you will be able to use your credit card at most places but I like to have cash to buy small purchases such as gelato or snacks at supermarkets and shops or at local markets. You will need €1.00 coins to pay for public restrooms (some may take a credit card but many do not) so keep a supply of coins at the ready. 

 

Very helpful, thanks much. I know this really depends on each individual but if I have all the excursions already booked and paid for, and we just would like to explore the city and maybe get on the bus to the port. how much do you approx. would you suggest I take with me in Euros? Thank you

12 hours ago, euro cruiser said:

Trust me Tina, I've made every mistake possible over the years.  My kids have practically rolled their eyes right out of their heads at my blunders while on the road, I'm just sharing the learnings.

You have helped me tremendously throughout this whole planning. Many years ago, I decided to go on my first cruise and posted here on this forum and some users were very *critic* so I logged off and never planned my cruise. I really appreciate all your help with each and every question I had

2 hours ago, Denversail said:

I took the lock problem one step further that I would never be able to unlock it and eventually be forced to abandon it on the train. I too won’t be bringing the lock. 🤣🤣

Wait, this really happened??

1 hour ago, marazul said:

If you are worried about combination locks, they still make key locks. Attach one to a cable and have that key ready to go. Just saying...

Now this sounds like a good idea! Thank you ☺️

8 minutes ago, Denversail said:

Haha… I can see we are similar humans. I’ve also had anxiety over this issue since researching my trip to Europe. I’ve never thought much about pick pockets until this. I even found myself thinking about it when I was in Vegas last week. I’ve been to Vegas hundreds of times and never thought about before. I think the talk on the subject is magnified on sites like this. Just take a deep breath, keep all your valuables on you and secure. Take some precautions and be alert. It will be fine. If your bag gets stolen you lose some clothing. I hope you enjoy your vacation!

I appreciate your comment, this is so true. Thank you!

On 9/13/2024 at 10:25 PM, euro cruiser said:

Also be sure you know the opening hours of each church, most close for a few hours each afternoon, some are only open in the morning, etc.

Good call, thank you

Is credit card widely acceptable in Italy (and other cities i.e. cruise ports in Ephesus and Greece)? Also, wherr do I get euro to bring with me, from the US or exchange places in Rome?

Thank you

3 hours ago, Denversail said:

I've also seen others comment about bringing a bike lock and locking it to the luggage rack to prevent it from being stolen.

Yes, I saw those comments too and thought what a great idea, then saw another comment saying what if the lock doesn't open and you miss your stop because the suitcase is attachdd to the rack. So, that got me worried

14 hours ago, PurpleTraveller said:

I would echo euro cruiser and get the metro to Termini. The walk from near the Colosseum to the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri is mostly uphill but if you get the metro to Termini the walk from the Basilica to the other sites you list will be mostly downhill or relatively flat. The route that euro cruiser shows on the google map is also the most logical but be aware that you will probably end up going into other churches along the way as there are so many beautiful churches in Rome. 

 

The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri is very interesting with the meridian line and Santa Maria della Vittoria has the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa. You will probably only need 10 to 15 minutes in each church but if you have warm weather you may want to sit down in the cool for a bit of a breather. You don't need long at the Spanish Steps or Trevi Fountain as you may just want to look and take some photos. The Trevi Fountain in particular can be very crowded so be prepared and watch your belongings as pickpockets are there. Make sure you enjoy a gelato or two along the way. 

 

Perfect, thank you so much

39 minutes ago, euro cruiser said:

I think you are grossly overestimating how much anyone on that train will care, unless, to your point, someone is blocking their way, which I'm sure Tina will not.

 

But gosh, welcome to Cruise Critic.  You don't need to take the name too literally.

Very well said, thanks much. I really appreciate it. 

9 minutes ago, euro cruiser said:

You could cut out some of the walking by taking the metro from Colosseo to Termini.

 

After the last stop, you could jump on a bus or take a taxi back if you've had enough walking.

Very nice, thank you. I was also Googling each one of these to see the distance from Colosseum, Will save your reply. Thank you

4 minutes ago, euro cruiser said:

No need to guess, see post #4.  But you're right, no stops to Termini.

Oh sorry I had missed that, thank you

We will be in Rome with my 9 year old kid and were wondering how close these sights are to each other as I don't believe Google map provides step by step direction for walking, but anyway, I would like to plan ahead if possible. Our hotel is close to Colosseum:

Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

San Bernardo alle Terme

Santa Maria della Vittoria

Museo di scultura antica Giovanni Barracco

Spanish steps

Trevi fountain
 

Assuming we will start walking from our hotel, in which order would you suggest we visit these sights and how long will these visits take? Trying to make sure my kid does not get tired or lose interest!

Thank you!

Thanks much for checking, and yes, that is indeed my train to Milan: Frecciarossa 9624. So I am guessing the first train from Civi to Rome does not stop in between?

I purchased my tickets from Trenitalia.

3 minutes ago, euro cruiser said:

You can only use the ticket on the train for which it was issued.  Depending on the fare class and conditions you purchased the ticket under, you may or may not be able to change the ticket.

 

If you share the train number I can tell you the stops, but almost all of the Frecces I'm seeing from Civitavecchia to Milano Centrale require a change en route.

Sure, thank you. It's Train: FrecciaBianca 8601.

We also have purchased other train tickets, are the ticket trains usually refundable? I tried to request the refund on their website but the search remains spinning and no result!

We will be traveling from Civitavecchia to Milan centrale on a Freccia train, trying to go and stand next to my suitcase at each stop since it would be from our seats.

1) Was wondering how many stops will be between these two locations?

2) Also, what will happen if we miss our train? Can we get on the next one?

3) Will we be able to cancel the train tickets and get a refund?

Thank you

11 hours ago, Hambagahle said:

Normally on buses booster seats are not a requirement.

 

We always have our national ID cards on us (in fact those are all we need to fly and to enter Greece as it is a Schengen member too...) but since the cruise line specifically wants our passports we will dig them out of the safe deposit box and take them along.  Never had to do that before but normally we only go to France etc...

Thanks much

6 hours ago, euro cruiser said:

Let's assume that the OP is aware of the pickpocketing problems and is only intending to carry in her backpack water, sunscreen, tissues, a scarf or sweater, a guidebook ... the kinds of things you might want or need during a long day out, but not her passport, cell phone, credit cards or money.

 

I tend to carry more things around on a port day than if I were staying in the city, where I could pop back to my room to grab a sweater, or a rain poncho, if needed.  On a port day you have to carry it with you or live without it.

Exactly, I was not planning on carrying anything valuable in there. Just a sweater for me and my kid, a hat, Clorox, wet ones, things like this. 

12 minutes ago, euro cruiser said:

You cannot carry a backpack into the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, or Galleria Borghese in Rome.  I'm sure there are others but those are the ones that pop to mind.  

 

A small backpack (less than cm 30x30x15) is allowed at Pompei: Regulations for visitors - Pompeii Sites

Perfect, thank you so much for your reply

Do they allow backpacks in Rome and Pompeii? This is the one I was interested in:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CREF88U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and 

Which places in Rome we should not have our backpacks with us?