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Paul Birch, Travel Agent in Kitchener, ON

Paul Birch

Kitchener, ON Travel Agent
Super Agent

Paul Birch

Kitchener, ON · 4 Years of Experience

PAUL BIRCH -Travel Advisor at Northstar Travel, an independent agent with Northstar Travel, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(34)
100% Recommended
Paul was great to work with for booking our trip<br/> Read More >
DESTINATIONS VISITED:Italy
PLACES VISITED:Pompeii, Positano, Rome, Vatican City
SUGGESTED DURATION:6 Days
I actually had this trip scheduled prior to the pandemic but as we all know; COVID changed a lot of things. The opportunity came up again towards the end of 2022 so my wife and I decided it was time. There were still a few COVID restrictions in place but it was a trip to Italy and had always been a top priority for both of us. We were set to visit Vatican City, Rome, Pompeii, Positano and a brief stay in Naples. I was so excited to see the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain but all the unexpected finds along the way were so satisfying and indescribable. Take a look at our journey
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DAY1
Vatican City
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Vatican City and Sistine Chapel
So we did a guided tour which was a little long as there is a lot of walking but, the things you see and learn make it all worth it at the end of the day. I still find it fascinating that there is a country within a country and you can literally stand with half your body in each. Seeing the Sistine Chapel in person is something to behold and highly recommend the experience regardless of any religious or cultural views.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Sistine Chapel
St. Peter's Square
DAY2
Rome
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Wandering the streets
We didn't have anything scheduled so we just did a little wandering. Don't worry if you get lost along the way. We made some wrong turns along the way and you'll turn a corner and alll of a sudden there is an opening and you run into something amazing. This actually led to us stumbling on the Pantheon and a couple other things we had planned for other days.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Pantheon
DAY3
Positano
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Quick trip to the coast
We couldn't go to Italy and not check out Positano. We hopped a train from Termini and headed south through Naples and finally into Sorrento. It was a Sunday and buses were slightly delayed as the rail workers were doing rotating strikes almost hourly. Grabbed some bus tickets from the kiosk on the upper level at the train station and headed out to wait for the bus. Bus was crowded and masking was in full effect and those not following the rules were quickly scolded by the locals. The road to Positano is long and winding but the views are incredible.
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Views
Hotel Poseidon
DAY4
Pompeii
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Pompeii
So, having an appreciation for historical sites, I had to see the ruins at Pompeii. We decided to pre-book our tickets for this but opted to do a self guided tour as opposed to following a guide around. It's really amazing how much was preserved and some of the statues and things are remarkable. At the end of the day we took the train north again and stayed in Torre del Greco and found a great little restaurant called Retrobanco which was very well priced and we had some amazing pizza, apps and more more around 20 euros
HIGHLIGHTS:
Pompeii
Artifacts
Torre del Greco
DAY5
Rome
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Back to Rome
So today we scheduled a guided tour of the Colosseum including an in depth look at the lower level. Not every tour includes this but I highly recommend it if you have the time during your stay. Our tour included a walk around the grounds and other buildings before we headed inside the Colosseum. If you have ever watched Gladiator and thought, wow that would be cool then this is a must for you. The fact that this place is still standing and in relatively good repair is unfathomable.
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Colosseum
DAY6
Rome
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Trevi Fountain
We decided to see Trevi Fountain twice; once during the day and again at night and both times were amazing. We sampled some amazing Pizza at Pizza in Trevi with a cold beer, wine and more throughout the day and had an amazing dinner at Mimi e Coco. I had to have some Cacio e Pepe which, translates to cheese and pepper pasta along with some amazing appetizers. Go early as the lineups start by 4pm. For our night time visit we grabbed a Gelato close to the fountain and just sat in awe. This is a must see when in Rome.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Trevi Fountain
Mimi e Coco
Gelato
FINAL THOUGHTS
I could wander Rome endlessly and still find something I hadn't seen before. Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestone streets are uneven.