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Summary of The Travel exchange: italy
Summary of The Travel exchange: italy
Rome
Rome
Hotel & Accommodation Recommendations
A user recommended The Waldorf a Hilton hotel booked with a Hilton Free Night certificate, describing it as "a little 'out' but really nice hotel" (Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel).
A user recommended a hotel for a group of four, saying, "The room is for 3 and they added a fourth bed for a few extra euro. Very decent. Nothing special. But if you need a big room for 4 this is a good option" (https://maps.app.goo.gl/cE9hbwiu55nXsJxk7?g_st=ac).
Airbnb:
One user shared a link to an Airbnb described as a "Great place to stay about ten mins drive from the ghetto" (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/27066467?c=.pi80.pkaG9tZXNfbWVzc2FnaW5nL25ld19tZXNzYWdl&euid=51be09f0-76b5-be49-538c-b1dff457aecf&source_impression_id=p3_1753281123_P3UYp_yd8FtlCeQw&check_in=2025-07-29&guests=1&adults=1&check_out=2025-07-30).
Another user had a "bad experience with the Airbnb". A different user had a humorous issue where the "price drop through the roof".
A challenge with using Airbnb for Shabbat is that "most have digital keypads for entry". One user suggested it's "Worth staying in the ghetto area and forgoing point redemptions", while another preferred Airbnb for "better prices and more bang for your buck" as many city hotel rooms are very small.
A user asked for specific Airbnb recommendations but none were provided beyond the initial link.
Attractions & Things to Do
A user shared a "map of Rome with the basic info" (https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1_iw5gPYAofkUgbLqId-iOTjFeZPKdSY) and invited others to add spots. Another user shared a link with a different map.
Colosseum & Roman Forum:
Tickets: A travel hack is to go to "less popular entrances to the Forum" where you can often purchase tickets when they are sold out online. European citizens aged 18-25 get tickets for €2 instead of €18, but "They check your id/passport multiple times". Students (18-25) in general may also get cheaper tickets.
Tours: Opinions on tours are mixed. One user recommends a tour guide "even if you're the do it yourself type, as without the information & history its kind of boring". Another user disagreed, saying they did a tour and "was really bored," but found the Jewish tour enjoyable. Some suggest skipping the tour and just running in to "check it out and move on".
Vatican City: There is a halachic debate about entering. One user's rabbi said they could go into the main plaza but not into the Vatican itself. It's widely held that the courtyard is permissible to visit. Tour guide David Walden has "a whole Torah on why it's fine and which parts are ok" and gives a "Jewish perspective on the Vatican" tour. Users are advised to ask their own LOR. As for the Temple vessels, they are not accessible to tourists.
Tour Guides:
Marco Misano: Described as the "Most famous tour guide in Rome" and "Very good". Contact card was attached in the chat.
David Walden Rome Jewish Ghetto Tour: An "Amazing Jewish guide in rome" (+39 339 705 9603).
Sara: Also a "very good tour guide". Contact card was attached in the chat.
Yael Yotvata Italy: Contact card was attached in the chat.
Audio Guides: Rick Steves offers free audio tours for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and general walking tours. You can "get all the info you need in 15 minutes" on 2x speed.
Recommended Itinerary: For a quick tour, one user suggests renting a scooter and visiting the ghetto, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Castel Sant'Angelo, Vatican City, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and Roman Forum, which can be done in a half day or less.
Recommended Sights:
The Arch of Titus was thought to be "one of the coolest things in Rome".
The Trevi Fountain (https://maps.app.goo.gl/51sFA61GaTV43gin8) is "Really nice, very recommended".
A link was shared for a "really cool view of rome" (https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZetckSrnkDi9Wnk6).
Another link points to the Vittoriano (https://maps.app.goo.gl/42iEpKeDnai1fo2M9), which has a "nice view".
The remains of the "oldest synagogue in Europe" are 10 minutes from Fiumicino airport.
Aventine Keyhole offers a quick, unique view, and the nearby Orange Garden is a nice stop. The Baths of Caracalla is another suggested sight.
Jewish Information
Chabad Piazza Bologna: A user had an "awesome experience there for shabbos," with the rabbi providing a Friday night meal and arranging a Shabbos day meal with a local. The Chabad website has an option to arrange being hosted by a local family. The Chabad's kosher food page is available here: https://chabadpbrome.com/kosher-food-in-rome/.
The Great Synagogue of Rome: Described as "Truly magnificent". There is a full museum with interesting artifacts underneath the shul.
Shabbat Accommodations: A user asked for a list of "apartments that are kosher for Shabbat, without electricity," but no list was provided.
WhatsApp Group: The link to join "The Travel Exchange" WhatsApp group is https://chat.whatsapp.com/DWxrJcldBDBIV08tfcAQnH?mode=ac_t.
Food & Kosher Recommendations
Glatt Status: It was noted that Little Tripoli is the only one that is Glatt. The restaurants in the ghetto generally do not serve glatt meat.
Obento Sushi: This all-you-can-eat sushi place in the Piazza Bologna area is listed by Chabad. The food is "delicious" and "very cheap". Chabad advises to "only eat the fish not the chicken".
Flour Cafe (Flour farina e cucina): A "phenomenal cafe" in the Piazza Bologna area (https://maps.app.goo.gl/4xeY6rH3yDbSHv8v5?g_st=ipc), considered "better than anything in the ghetto IMO". It is not in the Jewish quarter as some might think.
C'è Pasta e Pizza: A user called this the "best milchigs restaurant IMO however, its not in the ghetto area".
Baghetto: Opinions are mixed. One user "wasn't really impressed". Another found the milky (dairy) restaurant "amazing!" with "Great food and great service", while a third disagreed, saying "if it wasn't in Rome it would be a 6/10 max".
Yotvata: They make their own cheeses which are "Really great stuff with very large variety". They also offer a pasta-making class that includes dinner, which is "Not cheap but includes a dinner of the food you make".
A user recommended a restaurant near Flour Farina e Cucina (https://maps.app.goo.gl/UWrHgCq7YggQejDo6?g_st=ipc), stating it "Was 10/10 And very well priced".
Other mentioned restaurants include Bona Pizza, Fonzie The Burger House (4 locations), and Catalina Osteria.
Gelato: Marlens Gelato is a "MUST!". A gelato shop on a shared list was also described as "🔥".
General Tips & Opinions
Duration of Stay: Opinions vary widely. Some find Rome a "dud" and recommend leaving "asap", while many others feel it's a great city. The general consensus in the chat leans towards a stay of 1 to 2 days. However, some argue strongly for 3+ days to "settle in and explore a bit" beyond the main tourist sites, enjoying the modern city, shops, and food. A poll showed 16 users felt Rome exceeded expectations, 15 felt it was as expected, and 4 found it "Eh".
Getting Around: Renting a car is "not recommended" due to restricted zones and traffic. Scooters and Ubers are the suggested way to get around. Riding a scooter lets you "feel the vibe and culture a lot more".
Street Scams: Be aware of street scams like the "ball ball where's the ball" game.
Car Rentals for Young Drivers: Europcar was mentioned as a company that may rent to a 20-year-old in Rome. Most rental companies will allow it with a young driver fee. It was reported that people have rented a car in Italy with a license held for less than a year.
International Driver's License: It's noted that Italy often requires an international driver's license. A user recounted a story of a friend receiving a €5,000 fine for not having one, with the renter also getting a €1,000 fine.
Amalfi Coast, Capri & Sorrento
Amalfi Coast, Capri & Sorrento
Hotel & Accommodation Recommendations
A user shared a link to a "very nice affordable Boutique Hotel in Sorrento" (https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZQGvsRMYocT6CCYS9?g_st=aw).
An Airbnb with "Beautiful views of the water and coastal town, with a private pool" (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/18165583?source_impression_id=p3_1753354617_P3xeVJnzx9EKfBKA) was recommended, located about 20 minutes from Sorrento. Another user asked for Airbnb or hotel recommendations with nice views.
Furore Grand Hotel: A user who has stayed here says, "Yes - I love it," but adds that "they aren’t so Friendy with Kosher anymore - they used to be".
A user shared a link to a hotel in Sorrento that is "Really popular" and can be booked with points or a Free Night Certificate (https://maps.app.goo.gl/u3ofj2YK4eUqQzpo9).
Attractions & Things to Do
Coastal Towns: Positano is the "most famous town" with nice beaches, recommended for sunset. Amalfi is also a "very nice town". Ravello offers higher views and is a nice place to stay. The Villa Cimbrone Gardens by Ravello are also recommended.
Boat Tours: A private boat tour is a "beautiful way to see the coast". You can do full or half-day tours from Capri to the Amalfi Coast, stopping to swim and visit towns. One user paid 1000 Euro for a full-day tour for 10 people. It's possible to get a better deal by bargaining with boat operators at the port.
One recommended boat operator "Was great!" (https://maps.app.goo.gl/T97YMvc54rPdzKzq6).
Another operator (https://maps.app.goo.gl/jYdLDEihbesMbnHy7?g_st=ipc) was "chilled and well priced".
Tour Guide: Roberto is a "Good tour guide for the Naples, Mt Vesuvius area" who can also help with drivers. A user took one of his drivers for a full day tour and said he was "🔥 the best!!".
Hiking: The Path of the Gods is the most famous hike in the area.
Pompeii: For those into ruins, Pompeii is in the area. A Kohen was advised by their rabbi not to visit.
Jewish Information
The only kosher restaurant mentioned is in Capri (https://maps.app.goo.gl/jtePFugCuPDYK7Dw7?g_st=aw). One user found the food "solid", while another "thought it was pretty weak".
Travel & Other Tips
Getting Around: Renting Vespas is "by far the best way to roll around Amalfi coast" because roads are narrow and parking is a nightmare. Renting a car is an option, but be aware of summer driving restrictions based on odd/even license plates. The local train from Naples to Sorrento is described as "dirty, no ac, graffiti all over". An upgraded train is available but requires advance purchase.
Tuscany (Florence, Pisa & Siena)
Tuscany (Florence, Pisa & Siena)
Hotel & Accommodation Recommendations
A hotel located a "12 min walk from Florence train station" was described as a "Really good option" (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ei8i1T1Se3JtfopaA).
A user recommended a place in Tuscany, about an hour from Florence, as a "Really a good place with restaurant on site" (https://maps.app.goo.gl/YgMfF5F1PxrL7UBx6?g_st=aw).
Attractions & Things to Do
Florence Sights: Links were shared for Ponte Vecchio (https://goo.gl/maps/2asf9C6nSr9mV7di9), Piazzale Michelangelo (https://goo.gl/maps/jRuX1CCSDmUxGJi6A), Piazza della Repubblica (https://goo.gl/maps/nD1Dgz3ME3Px7F8k9), and the David of Michelangelo (https://goo.gl/maps/U4NaX1wqzJQktH4B6).
Driving: It's highly recommended to drive through Tuscany to experience small towns like Civita di Bagnoregio, Siena, San Gimignano, and Lucca.
Pisa: It's a "very quick trip" where you can easily see the tower. Parking is easy to find nearby.
Lucca: A town 25 minutes from Pisa where you can rent bikes and ride on the city walls.
Livorno: A "beautiful port city" with Jewish history, located 25 minutes south of Pisa. It has a gorgeous shul that was rebuilt after WWII. The Kever of the Chid"a is in the Livorno cemetery.
Siena: An old walled city with a beautiful cathedral and town square. It also has a "nice old shul that just reopened after restoration".
Activities: A user had a "great time ebiking in Tuscany" through vineyards and castles. Contact for E-Bikes Tuscany was attached in the chat.
Food & Kosher Recommendations
Cantina Giuliano: A family-run restaurant and winery (https://cantinagiuliano.com/) 40 minutes from Pisa(https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZhYcx8EeXdFXGkXR7?g_st=ipc). They have dairy for lunch and meat for dinner and offer pasta classes and winery tours.
Northern Italy (Venice, Dolomites, Milan & Lakes)
Northern Italy (Venice, Dolomites, Milan & Lakes)
Hotel & Accommodation Recommendations
Venice:
Apartment Booking: https://www.veniceapartment.com/ is an "amazing site to book well priced apartments".
A "Very well priced hotel, and shabbos friendly" was recommended (Carnival Palace ).
Arcadia Boutique Hotel was described as "very Shabbos friendly".
An airport hotel (https://maps.app.goo.gl/BRW3DAkwiitDQgzo7) is "Way cheaper than within Venice and pretty nice".
Airbnb: An apartment (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/12463214?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76) was described as "Very decent spacious... Really really close to the ghetto". Another Airbnb (https://www.airbnb.com/l/CvsnhMWy) is "Literally back to back with Chabad". A third (https://www.airbnb.com/l/WTcsReKW) was "insane- great views and close to everything".
Attractions & Things to Do
Map: A user shared a map of Venice spots (https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1uWu-ByRa2xfBfRqAoBovusYj1yNprG0&usp=sharing).
Gondola Rides: Fares are government-regulated, around 90 euro for 25 minutes (110 at night), and are cash only. A hack for just a picture is a 2-minute ride by the Rialto bridge for 10€.
Murano & Burano: Murano is known for glass blowing, while Burano is "gorgeous" and "should not be skipped".
St. Mark's Square: A "must" at sunset/dinner time when restaurants have live music.
Venetian Mask Painting: Ca' Macana (https://maps.apple.com/?address=Dorsoduro%203215,%20Calle%20del%20Capeler,%2030123%20Venice,%20Italy&auid=4172650203133574978&ll=45.433937,12.325568&lsp=9902&q=Ca'%20Macana&t=m) is a "Cool" place for this activity.
Dolomites:
A link was shared for a "Kosher hotel in the dolomites" (https://maps.app.goo.gl/FvS6kPXAoa2Br5Co8), though it is "Really hard to contact".
Described as "one of the most underrated places in Europe" and a "must go!!". The roads have "insane views". Recommended spots include Lago di Braies (https://maps.app.goo.gl/jJtAdPUA364ir7Vq7) and the Val de Funes area.
A list of seasonal kosher hotels can be found here: https://koshertrippers.com/2025/05/seasonal-kosher-hotels-resorts/.
Milan: A user did not recommend sleeping at My Kosher hotel (https://maps.app.goo.gl/j8BSKMZ96rVkBkb69) but suggested getting food from their restaurant.
Cinque Terre: A beautiful place with 5 old towns on the coast. A private boat tour is not recommended as the water can be "extremely choppy". A ferry is a better option.
Milan & The Lakes:
Milan: Some find it a "waste of time" with not much to do besides eating and shopping. Shopping outlets are 40 minutes away, such as Serravalle Designer Outlet (https://maps.app.goo.gl/NZNUbk5RDN4GUYbm7).
Lake Garda: A great alternative to Como, "WAY cheaper" with "tons of activities". Sirmione and Malcesine are beautiful towns. The Malcesine Monte Baldo cableway (https://g.co/kgs/MjVsg7C) has amazing views but requires advance booking.
Lake Como: A good day trip from Milan.
A stop between MXP and Cervinia: A user shared a link for a "nice stop" on this route (https://maps.app.goo.gl/rUoUy3rjp7hkPYsh6).
Travel & Other Tips
Booking App: https://go-refer.omio.com/Z0XCaR is a recommended app for booking trains, buses, and ferries.
Car Rental: A recommended service is https://www.noleggiare.it/en/.
Food & Kosher Recommendations
Dolimites: My Kosher (https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1MK0GCf73IrpWogSpHmw5KolAqwf_u9A&usp=sharing) is a kosher restaurant.
Venice:
Gam Gam: A well-known kosher restaurant. CRC says only Gam Gam is good.
Baghetto: Also offers Shabbat meals. One user says the food is "way better" than Gam Gam's. There is a dispute about its kashrut status; it's not glatt, but the teudah in Venice claims it uses only glatt meat. Users are advised to ask their own LOR.
Kosher Smoothies: Available at two locations, including (https://maps.app.goo.gl/a2uHqhZNugTYxvS68).
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