Europe with my kids June-July - Part 2
Apr 15th, 2010, 04:58 PM
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Europe with my kids June-July - Part 2
I just confirmed my tickets with AA and the lady told me we can continue to Lisbon if we fly the 8th of June, AA and Iberia.
So, now we will start in Lisbon, Portugal June 9th and I have a reservation for San Sebastian before Barcelona. So my question for the experts are:
Should I keep my reservation for San Sebastian and go all the way up from Lisbon? or
Should I just skip San Sebastian and go around the coast of Spain to my next stop Barcelona instead?
So, now we will start in Lisbon, Portugal June 9th and I have a reservation for San Sebastian before Barcelona. So my question for the experts are:
Should I keep my reservation for San Sebastian and go all the way up from Lisbon? or
Should I just skip San Sebastian and go around the coast of Spain to my next stop Barcelona instead?
Apr 16th, 2010, 01:43 PM
#4
Lisbon..look at www.visitingportugal.com. These are rental apts. owned by American ex-pats who are very,very helpful. We spent 9 days there but four would give you a taste of the city with time for a day trip to Sintra.
Apr 16th, 2010, 01:55 PM
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Great, I am glad to see your trip coming along. So is your plan now Lisbon, Madrid, (maybe San Sebastian because you booked the hotel), Valencia, Barcelona overnight boat to Genoa, train to Naples and Circumvesuviana to Sorrento. Are you taking the overnight train to Madrid from Lisbon, and then renting a car in Madrid? You may want to delete San Sebastian for the inconvenience and just travel from Madrid to Valencia and Valencia to Barcelona to avoid the frustration. When you are first planning, plans always change so things are still going to change as you go along.
Apr 16th, 2010, 06:57 PM
#7
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Itinerary is as follow...
~June 9th we arrive to Lisbon, not sure if only staying there for 3 days and just going to Sintra,
~11 or 12th (3/n) renting something in Algarve (not sure what town there, too many options to rent)
~June 14-15 train to from Lisbon to San Sebastian or skip it and going to Valencia instead.
~June 22nd Barcelona rental (8/n)
~June 31st Boat from BCN to Genova
~July 1-2 Genova (around) visiting Rapallo (Nonna's town)
~July 3-4 Cirque Terre (4-5/n) (not sure where there)
~July 10 Amalfi Coast (still not sure where)
~July 17 up down to Greece maybe.
~July 25 heading back home from somewhere.
~July 28 back in Denver.
My daughter is crazy over the Pantheon so we must stop in Rome in our way back, we most likely will fly back to Denver from Barcelona. I already told my Husband that he should meet us in Italy the last 2 weeks of our trip, he watched the Italy DVD with me and he loved the Cirque Terre area.
~June 9th we arrive to Lisbon, not sure if only staying there for 3 days and just going to Sintra,
~11 or 12th (3/n) renting something in Algarve (not sure what town there, too many options to rent)
~June 14-15 train to from Lisbon to San Sebastian or skip it and going to Valencia instead.
~June 22nd Barcelona rental (8/n)
~June 31st Boat from BCN to Genova
~July 1-2 Genova (around) visiting Rapallo (Nonna's town)
~July 3-4 Cirque Terre (4-5/n) (not sure where there)
~July 10 Amalfi Coast (still not sure where)
~July 17 up down to Greece maybe.
~July 25 heading back home from somewhere.
~July 28 back in Denver.
My daughter is crazy over the Pantheon so we must stop in Rome in our way back, we most likely will fly back to Denver from Barcelona. I already told my Husband that he should meet us in Italy the last 2 weeks of our trip, he watched the Italy DVD with me and he loved the Cirque Terre area.
Apr 17th, 2010, 07:43 AM
#8
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I would definitely not skip San Sebastián. Where Spaniards have been going in summertime for more than a century for very good reasons. Many consider it to be the most beautiful city in Spain. Some of the best city beaches in all of Europe, fantastic food and a culture that people take great pride in. Kids of all ages everywhere at all hours, in playing grounds, on the beach, in the plazas and in the bars/restaurants. The article "A different kind of Spain" hopefully convinces you not to change plans: http://marshlands.blogstream.com/
You can fly Vueling for 25€ from Bilbao to Barcelona on the 22nd of June (five flights). Direct bus every hour from San Sebastián to Bilbao airport in 75 mins.
http://www.vueling.com/
You can fly Vueling for 25€ from Bilbao to Barcelona on the 22nd of June (five flights). Direct bus every hour from San Sebastián to Bilbao airport in 75 mins.
http://www.vueling.com/
Apr 17th, 2010, 09:38 AM
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Pookymimi, if you are no longer going to Madrid and renting a car to travel the coast, the overnight train from Lisbon to San Sebastian will be easier since there are no direct trains from Lisbon to Valencia.
If you decide to go to Greece, you can take the Bari ferry to Corfu(my favourite Greek island)
If you decide to go to Greece, you can take the Bari ferry to Corfu(my favourite Greek island)
Apr 17th, 2010, 11:37 AM
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Great tips!
Thanks a lot, you are helping me to put this journey together.
I'm not skipping San Sebastian, I saw some pics last night and read from one of the books and it's a must see. So as suggested we will take the overnight train from Lisbon to San Sebastian. From San Sebastian I would fly or take a train to Barcelona where we may stay 10 days, not sure yet...
Nadia, not I'm not renting a car, I think it will be too much of a hassle and if it's come the same as paying a car I rather not to drive.
Now assuming I'm in Italy already, what town would you suggest me to stay in Amalfi, here I show all the options I have.
I have more than 6 options and mostly are in Praiano, Positano and Amalfi and I really don't know which one to take.
There is a villa that has a pool that the kids may like, but I'm not sure how far from the main town like Sorrento will be....
Sorrento villa
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-ren...D_link_LPROP_1
Priano Amalfi
http://www.altracostiera.com/accommo...DPRO=186&ct=ca
http://www.summerinitaly.com/eng/ren...898!italy_.htm
http://www.summerinitaly.com/eng/ren...869!italy_.htm
http://www.summerinitaly.com/eng/ren...279!italy_.htm
http://www.summerinitaly.com/eng/ren...756!italy_.htm
http://www.villarentalhols.com/accom...20Raffaella/38
Finally I'm debating on crossing to Greece as suggested or coming back and go to Lake Como before going to Rome.
Thanks a lot, you are helping me to put this journey together.
I'm not skipping San Sebastian, I saw some pics last night and read from one of the books and it's a must see. So as suggested we will take the overnight train from Lisbon to San Sebastian. From San Sebastian I would fly or take a train to Barcelona where we may stay 10 days, not sure yet...
Nadia, not I'm not renting a car, I think it will be too much of a hassle and if it's come the same as paying a car I rather not to drive.
Now assuming I'm in Italy already, what town would you suggest me to stay in Amalfi, here I show all the options I have.
I have more than 6 options and mostly are in Praiano, Positano and Amalfi and I really don't know which one to take.
There is a villa that has a pool that the kids may like, but I'm not sure how far from the main town like Sorrento will be....
Sorrento villa
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-ren...D_link_LPROP_1
Priano Amalfi
http://www.altracostiera.com/accommo...DPRO=186&ct=ca
http://www.summerinitaly.com/eng/ren...898!italy_.htm
http://www.summerinitaly.com/eng/ren...869!italy_.htm
http://www.summerinitaly.com/eng/ren...279!italy_.htm
http://www.summerinitaly.com/eng/ren...756!italy_.htm
http://www.villarentalhols.com/accom...20Raffaella/38
Finally I'm debating on crossing to Greece as suggested or coming back and go to Lake Como before going to Rome.
Apr 17th, 2010, 01:35 PM
#11
No you don't get away from us helpers so easily. I'd look to travel to Puglia (the heel) and see if you can get a Brindisi or a Bari boat to Greece. The architecture of tiny towns on the top of little hills, roman ruins and good food wine is not to be missed.
Apr 17th, 2010, 01:37 PM
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You lost me on the Italy portion. Are you planning on stopping in Rome on your way to the down? Would you go CT to Lake Como and than down to Rome and continue south? Sorry I am confused. But what fun!
Apr 17th, 2010, 01:48 PM
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Definitely skip Albuferia - it's a concrete jungle that bears no relationship to the lovely fishing village it was 25+ years ago. We went back a couple of years ago and were horrified. Then again that whole coast is very over developed. Lagos wasn't too bad and Tavira is still pretty.
Apr 17th, 2010, 01:56 PM
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It does sound like fun. Bilboburgler suggestions are great. From your accommodation choices linked, I really like the location of Suite Quinta - situated below Ravello and above Amalfi (with sea views and valley!)and the pool is a plus for the kids. You can walk down the stairs to Atrani (a beautiful gem) and then walk down to Amalfi or you can walk up the stairs to the stunning Ravello (a great uphill hike but you can also walk down to Atrani or Amalfi and take the bus up to Ravello). 2nd choice based on price since you are on a budget would be Casa Piersilvia B in Priano. (Antichi sapori 1- is not available for the week you are planning and Casa Osvalda - seems difficult to access without a car)
Apr 17th, 2010, 02:28 PM
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Nadia,
Antichi Sapori was my fav, but is available the following week.
Casa Osvalda was my second fav, but if there are not stairs around not sure how we can do it.
Suite Quinta is the one I think I may book as there is a pool for the kids to jump in after a day of hiking and sight seeing.
I also love Casa Piersilvia B...
Do you know until what time the boats run to and from Sorrento if we decide to stay there for dinner?
I wish I could find something in Sorrento, but it may be too crowded in July.
Antichi Sapori was my fav, but is available the following week.
Casa Osvalda was my second fav, but if there are not stairs around not sure how we can do it.
Suite Quinta is the one I think I may book as there is a pool for the kids to jump in after a day of hiking and sight seeing.
I also love Casa Piersilvia B...
Do you know until what time the boats run to and from Sorrento if we decide to stay there for dinner?
I wish I could find something in Sorrento, but it may be too crowded in July.
Apr 17th, 2010, 03:36 PM
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MomDDTravel,
We are going to Genova from Barcelona,
Cirque Terre,
then Amalfi Coast,
then Greece or just back North of Italy,
like Lake Como, Rome (daughter wants to see it), then flying home from nowhere land right now....
We are going to Genova from Barcelona,
Cirque Terre,
then Amalfi Coast,
then Greece or just back North of Italy,
like Lake Como, Rome (daughter wants to see it), then flying home from nowhere land right now....
Apr 17th, 2010, 05:20 PM
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MomDDTravel,
I had not thought about it...
Do you think it would be easier than continuing down the coast from CTerre to Amalfi?
I still don't have a place in Sorrento so I can switch ways...
I had not thought about it...
Do you think it would be easier than continuing down the coast from CTerre to Amalfi?
I still don't have a place in Sorrento so I can switch ways...
Apr 17th, 2010, 06:31 PM
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Pooky - look at a map of Italy. I would plan it so that you do not have to back track. Which I believe would be starting in Lake Como - heading to CT - going south to Rome and continuing to Sorrento.
Someone else can weigh in...
Someone else can weigh in...
Apr 17th, 2010, 09:06 PM
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Pookymimi, you have both buses and SITA buses for transportation in Amalfi.
The SITA buses run until 10 from Sorrento and the last bus from Amalfi to Atrani & Ravello is at 1am. Here are the bus schedules
http://www.sitabus.it/sitabus/campan...A/QUADROXV.pdf
You can check the ferry schedules from the 4 ferry lines here.
http://www.snav.it/en
http://www.caremar.it/pages_it/orari.asp
http://www.alilauro.it/
http://www.navlib.it/
Also, Amalfi/Atrani/Ravello is much more better than Sorrento if you aren't interested in seeing museums and archaeology. Sorrento is just ideal if you plan on seeing the Amalfi Coast from Positano to Salerno & Paestrum PLUS the other way to Pompeii and Naples since it is in between(less time getting to places on either side), has the Circumvesuviana, SITA buses and boats going either way and Capri. But if your plan is just to relax, beaches,visit the Amalfi Coast and take in the view, then you have the perfect spot with good transportation (buses and boats are right at Amlafi harbour.)
The SITA buses run until 10 from Sorrento and the last bus from Amalfi to Atrani & Ravello is at 1am. Here are the bus schedules
http://www.sitabus.it/sitabus/campan...A/QUADROXV.pdf
You can check the ferry schedules from the 4 ferry lines here.
http://www.snav.it/en
http://www.caremar.it/pages_it/orari.asp
http://www.alilauro.it/
http://www.navlib.it/
Also, Amalfi/Atrani/Ravello is much more better than Sorrento if you aren't interested in seeing museums and archaeology. Sorrento is just ideal if you plan on seeing the Amalfi Coast from Positano to Salerno & Paestrum PLUS the other way to Pompeii and Naples since it is in between(less time getting to places on either side), has the Circumvesuviana, SITA buses and boats going either way and Capri. But if your plan is just to relax, beaches,visit the Amalfi Coast and take in the view, then you have the perfect spot with good transportation (buses and boats are right at Amlafi harbour.)
