Lolly100

Hello!
I used this board to help plan a solo trip to Spain last spring & got such wonderful advice!

I have been trying to figure out plans for an Italy trip in May, so thought I'd come for suggestions.

Still looking at airfares - seeing about $1200 from STL. Has anyone seen any better fares?

My friend & will be flying into Rome for 4 nights, then train to Florence for 3 and train to Venice for 2 and fly out of Venice. I know it's not enough time, but sadly that is all we have.

I've done some hotel research and was looking for more suggestions. We're looking to spend about 150-200 euros per night.

In Rome, I am thinking of something different... Casa Di Santa Brigida. It's a convent. I am just having a hard time finding somewhere I like in Rome.

In Florence, I am thinking Hotel Casci. And Venice, La Calcina. Hopefully there are still rooms available. If not, I need back-ups!

Thank you so much for your help! I am getting excited!

ira

Hi L,

>I have been trying to figure out plans for an Italy trip in May, so thought I'd come for suggestions.

Still looking at airfares - seeing about $1200 from STL. Has anyone seen any better fares?

For this May? www.kayak.com has 1 stops from about $1065 STL/FCO for mid May.

Make your hotel res yesterday.

Good luck

SusanP

I don't know anything about that convent in Rome, but the location is very good. As Ira says, get going on your reservations. Convents and good hotels in good locations book up fast, it may already be to late for that convent.

MFNYC

We stayed at Hotel Casci a few years ago and it was a great find. I read an article a while back in the NY Times, mentioning Hotel Europa as a good alternative to Casci.

caroltis

I have stayed in Hotel Bellettini in Florence and thoroughly enjoyed it - breakfast was excellent and the location was in San Lorenzo area - great walking distance to everything. They are very friendly and accomodating. I think there are two buildings - make certain that you reserve a room in the main building otherwise I can't vouch for satisfaction.
Your itinerary looks great and you are going to have a marvelous trip!!

Lolly100

Thanks so much for the hotel suggestions. I knew I could count on advice here!

I have found a couple hotel options... Any experience with there?

Rome - Hotel San Carlo or Hotel Napoleon

Florence - Borghese Palace Art Hotel

Venice - Alloggi Marinella

All are about 180 euros. I'd like something a little cheaper, but still nice. So I may keep looking.

Also, any opinions on airlines? My option is Alitalia going & Air France returning, or Iberia both ways. Those are my cheapest options. A little worried about Alitalia since I have never travelled on them & heard bad things.

Thanks again.

Dayle

Lolly,

In Rome, try Hotel Giardino Rome**. Great location between Trajan's Market and the Quirrinale, wonderful owner Katie. Very cozy, nice and clean. They answer e mails promptly and it should be in your range. My single room was 95E/night in Sept of 05. Breakfast included, but nothing special.

Grcxx3

In Rome, we stayed at the Albergo Cesari for 185 euros (for a double). Nice hotel in a great location - just a quick 2+ minute stroll to the Pantheon or Trevi Fountain. 15+ minute walk (depending on traffic) to the Roman Forum.

Lolly100

Thanks for the responses! Unfortunately most of the hotel suggestions were already booked. So I've booked the following hotels - any feedback would be appreciated!

Rome - Bellesuite
Florence - Alloro B&B (I found this on Tim/Liz thread & it looks great!)
Venice - Locanda Marinella

Would you suggest booking trains to the cities online before we leave, or doing it when we get there? Thanks!

Lolly100

Also, would you suggest pre-booking any sites? Like the Vatican or museums if possible?

We are also thinking of taking a day trip from Florence. Possibly Siena, Lucca, or a visit to a winery in Chianti? Would any of those be do-able day trips? I am thinking I would like to maybe do a tour group to one of these - any recommendations? Thank you!

Dayle

Lolly,

All of your day trips are very doable from Florence. If you want to see about a group wine tour, use the search box and put in "Chianti wine tours". Many here have done them.

buon viaggio!