November 10, 2006
Movie tourism in Italy: Casino Royale, Star Wars, and more
Here's an interesting blog entry on an Italian vacation that involved lots of movie-related attractions. I'm not talking about the famous places in Rome, but I am talking about places like Villa Balbianello on Lake Como (scenes in the upcoming Casino Royale were shot there). And places like Reggia Caserta where palace grounds, the waterfall, and buildings were used for the coronation scene in Star Wars: Episode One (computer modifications changed the look quite a bit apparently).
Anyway, for some interesting movie tourism ideas in Italy, follow the link above.
Posted by James Trotta at November 10, 2006 12:22 AM | TrackBack
My wife and I will be visiting Rome 5/24 thru 5/29, our first trip to Rome. Would also like to take a day trip to Pompeii and Naples. Any suggestions on best mode of transport, approx cost? We will not have a car.
Posted by: Don Rogers at November 10, 2006 7:48 AMI just got home from Italy, was there 3 weeks and had the best time ever! Im guessing from your list of places you want to visit your a history buff? because they are defintly NOT the prettiest places to see in Italy! I would absolutly reccomend the train system in Italy, it is very easy to get around on and you would DEFINITLY want to avoid driving in any of the cities you mentioned!! Tremeni station in Rome is centrally located, every train station has an information desk and they usually speak very good english if you need help. I reccomend looking in one of Rick Steves travel books, he usually list anything worth seeing in each town and the best way to get there(from train station)He also breaks down the amount of time reccomended to visit a city, depending what you are into, ie:relaxing , history, shopping, soaking up italy.... either way , have a blast!!!
Posted by: emerson at November 10, 2006 10:12 AMI also used the trains while I was in Italy. They were reliable but crowded so be prepared to stand unless you reserve a seat (which costs more). Also we did have one issue on a Eurostar when we couldn't open the door at our stop. We ended up missing it and it was late at night, kind of a mess. If you see them opening doors, pay attention because one time it might be your turn...
Posted by: James Trotta at November 10, 2006 11:23 AMTake the Eurostar fast train from Rome Termini to Naples main station. The trip isn't that long so second class is probably okay to save money if you do not go during high business travel times (late Friday night, early Monday morning, etc). Upon arriving at the Naples station, go downstairs and purchase a ticket for the Circumvesuviana train that goes from Naples to Sorrento. There is a Pompei Scavi stop, which is a Circumvesuviana station by the ruins at Pompeii. Short walk from there. Very cheap but the escalators are always broke (warning if you are hauling any big pieces of luggage). Great views of Mt. Vesuvius. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumvesuviana
Do not take any of the bus tours from Rome. You get stuck at THEIR restaurant, have to stop at THEIR shop for purchases -- all before you see anything in Pompeii. Ripoff!
Posted by: M.A. at November 13, 2006 3:26 AM