EUROPE 2019 - FLORENCE

Roma Termini to Firenze SMN (Florence SMN)

This morning we took the Trenitalia to Firenze SMN. The premium ticket includes coffee and snacks (very delicious). On-board wifi was great.

Hotel Aurora

Checked-in here as it is very close to Firenze SMN. It's just in front of the station. The hotel decor is a bit dated but compensated with elegant and latest bathroom fittings.

Walking Tour

We did a walking tour of Florence city on the third day here based on the recommendation by one of the hotel's receptionists. Most of the landmarks and tourist attractions which include Ponte Vecchio, San Lorenzo Market, Piazza Della Signoria, Mercato Nuovo, Battistero, Florence Cathedral, Pallazo Pitti, Piazza Della Repubblica are within walking distance from our hotel.

The Mall Outlet

We went to the Mall after returning from a half-day tour of Pisa. The bus station is at the back of our hotel. The fare for the trip was EUR13,00. It's a luxury mall that houses all the luxury/designer brands.

Hard Rock Cafe Florence

It's just about 850 meters (11 minutes) from the hotel

Halal Restaurant - Pak Halal Kebab

I found this restaurant with Malay signage in front of the shop. It's very close to the San Lorenzo Market and about 750 meters (9 minutes) from our hotel.

There's also a halal mini-market near the restaurant.

EUROPE 2019 - ROME

Barcelona Sants - Barcelona El Prat

Took the R2N train to Barcelona El Prat Airport. The train stop to Terminal 2 is quite a distance. From Terminal 2 took the shuttle to Terminal 1 for our flight to Rome.

Barcelona El Prat - Rome Fiumicino Airport

Departed@1224 (Vueling Airlines) after a delay (scheduled departure @1150) and gate change from A06 to A22. 

Fiumicino Aeroporto to Roma Termini

From the airport took the Leonardo Express train (non-stop) to Roma Termini.

Hotel Madison Rome

The hotel is just across the road from Roma Termini. Our reservation included breakfast. The room which is a bit dated has a walk-in closet, bath, and shower, clean and comfortable bed. Wifi is ok.

City Sightseeing Roma

Opted for a 24hr ticket as we had identified all the places we planned to visit such as The Colosseum and Roman Forum stop no.3), Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain (stop no. 8). The bus stop (Terminal A) is very near to Roma Termini and our hotel.

Spanish Steps

During the sightseeing tour, we did not visit the Spanish Steps due to time constrain since we bought the 24hr ticket. So the next morning I went there using the Metro from Roma Termini. I got down at Spagna Metro Station and walked to the steps.

Hard Rock Cafe Rome

Situated between stop no. 7 (Piazza di Spagna) & 8 (Piazza Barberini). We got down at stop 7  and walked to the cafe. We boarded the bus at stop 8 to continue our tour. Trevi Fountain is near stop 8.

Halal Food Rome

There are plenty of halal eateries and souvenir shops around Roma Termini which are mostly manned by Bangladeshis.