1st trip to Italy, 3 women in late 40's
May 24th, 2007, 02:42 PM
#41
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If your friend is really nervous about the trip it might be best to take it one step at a time and keep the plan from becoming overwhelming.
I still think the best plan is three cities, three days in each for this trip. You can always go back after your first visit and rent a car and see the countryside.
If you decide on Venice, Florence and Rome you can check on hotels and trains. You'll get lots of advice on hotels, restaurants and shopping on this board. Trains are easy so that shouldn't be a problem.
If your friend is afraid of pickpockets, there are ways to protect your valuables. Traveling with a group does nothing to protect a person from pickpockets; group travelers have been victims too.
Maybe you could print out some trip reports, hotel recommendations, etc. and pass them on to her. It might be a matter of "overcoming the objections" one at a time.
Good luck with your planning.
I still think the best plan is three cities, three days in each for this trip. You can always go back after your first visit and rent a car and see the countryside.
If you decide on Venice, Florence and Rome you can check on hotels and trains. You'll get lots of advice on hotels, restaurants and shopping on this board. Trains are easy so that shouldn't be a problem.
If your friend is afraid of pickpockets, there are ways to protect your valuables. Traveling with a group does nothing to protect a person from pickpockets; group travelers have been victims too.
Maybe you could print out some trip reports, hotel recommendations, etc. and pass them on to her. It might be a matter of "overcoming the objections" one at a time.
Good luck with your planning.
May 24th, 2007, 03:02 PM
#42
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IMHO, no one is ever just "along for the ride." Each person has an idea of what the trip is going to involve. The trouble comes when the ideas clash.
That is why I don't like traveling with people other than close relatives. I don't want to in charge of entertaining, making all arrangements for, assuming all the responsibility for -- others. Eventually, the other person resents it too, again IMHO.
I like the 3 cities - 3 people with one "in charge" of each. But, maybe this is all just me....
That is why I don't like traveling with people other than close relatives. I don't want to in charge of entertaining, making all arrangements for, assuming all the responsibility for -- others. Eventually, the other person resents it too, again IMHO.
I like the 3 cities - 3 people with one "in charge" of each. But, maybe this is all just me....
May 24th, 2007, 03:32 PM
#43
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Pickpockets---going with a group tour is no protection. The only woman I know who has been robbed was with a group---and it was in Switzerland, of all places. But she made numerous mistakes, in particular having her wallet in a top-zip bag on a belt around her waist.
FHeed the warnings about securing your money and credit cards, etc., and you'll be fine.
As for Italian men---the winks and occasional "Ciao, Bella" are part of the fun. I love Italy!
FHeed the warnings about securing your money and credit cards, etc., and you'll be fine.
As for Italian men---the winks and occasional "Ciao, Bella" are part of the fun. I love Italy!
May 24th, 2007, 05:08 PM
#44
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Hi greenrealtor,
I typed up a lovely long post a couple of nights ago and then hit the wrong button and lost it. So...I'm going to send several posts to avoid that problem. (I seem to do it quite often!)
I'm the same age as your group and just spent 11 nights in Italy around Easter with my 17 yr old daughter. We flew into Venice and out of Rome and checked prices often on the Kayak website. In the end I got what I consider to be a great fare out of Atlanta. We had a stop at CDG in Paris in both directions on Air France, but the total price was $680 each round trip, open jaw. I liked into Venice and out of Rome because it is my understanding that most flights out of Venice are very early in the morning.
I never felt uncomfortable as a single woman with a teenage daughter, but I keep my eyes open and am always aware of my surroundings. Has your friend ever been to NYC, New Orleans, LA, or whatever? You must be careful any time you travel and large cities in Italy are no different than many of the places in the US. Ignore the gypsy women and other people begging and you will be fine.
I typed up a lovely long post a couple of nights ago and then hit the wrong button and lost it. So...I'm going to send several posts to avoid that problem. (I seem to do it quite often!)
I'm the same age as your group and just spent 11 nights in Italy around Easter with my 17 yr old daughter. We flew into Venice and out of Rome and checked prices often on the Kayak website. In the end I got what I consider to be a great fare out of Atlanta. We had a stop at CDG in Paris in both directions on Air France, but the total price was $680 each round trip, open jaw. I liked into Venice and out of Rome because it is my understanding that most flights out of Venice are very early in the morning.
I never felt uncomfortable as a single woman with a teenage daughter, but I keep my eyes open and am always aware of my surroundings. Has your friend ever been to NYC, New Orleans, LA, or whatever? You must be careful any time you travel and large cities in Italy are no different than many of the places in the US. Ignore the gypsy women and other people begging and you will be fine.
May 24th, 2007, 07:46 PM
#45
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I too, planned my own trip (but for my teen-age daughter and myself). I would stick to visiting Rome, Florence and Venice and traveling within the country by train. It's very easy to do. And once in each city, just book a half-day or all-day bus tour through your hotel. You've already received lots of good advice.
I would like to add my suggestions regarding accommodations. After investigating locations, prices and customer reviews, I booked on-line.
In Rome, we stayed at the Capo d'Africa in the ancient heart of the city. It was an easy walk to the metro. Their rooftop terrace was wonderful with great views. Very modern rooms, good size.
In Florence, we stayed at the Bernini Palace. Beautiful,great location, fabulous rooms and bathroom. If you stay here, email the hotel before you go and ask them to secure your reservations for the musuems. This service was a great relief!
In Venice,we were guests at the Locando Orselo. It's a small B&B and is owned and operated by a young Italian couple (who speak English). They were so accommodating and friendly. Again, the hotel was centrally located, not too far from the square and bridge. They were very helpful in securing our tickets on the overnight train to Paris. (Our trip was 21 days and we continued on to Paris and London)
My daughter and I felt safe walking to and from all of these hotels both day and night. Of course, we were always aware of our surroundings and were never out too late.
Good luck and have a great time!
I would like to add my suggestions regarding accommodations. After investigating locations, prices and customer reviews, I booked on-line.
In Rome, we stayed at the Capo d'Africa in the ancient heart of the city. It was an easy walk to the metro. Their rooftop terrace was wonderful with great views. Very modern rooms, good size.
In Florence, we stayed at the Bernini Palace. Beautiful,great location, fabulous rooms and bathroom. If you stay here, email the hotel before you go and ask them to secure your reservations for the musuems. This service was a great relief!
In Venice,we were guests at the Locando Orselo. It's a small B&B and is owned and operated by a young Italian couple (who speak English). They were so accommodating and friendly. Again, the hotel was centrally located, not too far from the square and bridge. They were very helpful in securing our tickets on the overnight train to Paris. (Our trip was 21 days and we continued on to Paris and London)
My daughter and I felt safe walking to and from all of these hotels both day and night. Of course, we were always aware of our surroundings and were never out too late.
Good luck and have a great time!
May 25th, 2007, 06:05 AM
#46
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Thank you to all for this great information! The accommodations that have been suggested I will definitely check in to. Sounds perfect for our needs. Getting excited. The airfare rate sounds great. I'll definitely ck on that! Thanks so much!
May 25th, 2007, 11:12 AM
#47
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We also stayed at Locanda Orseolo in Venice, but in Rome we stayed at Nicolas Inn (also run by a young couple & Melissa is American) and in Florence we stayed at the Alloro B&B. All were conveniently located and included breakfast. Check them out on Tripadvisor.Com.
We took trains between cities (don't bother buying tickets until you get there) and had a day trip in Verona between Venice and Florence and a day in Assisi between Florence and Rome. As others have said, get reservations in advance for the Uffuzi and Accademia, but most hotels can make those arrangements for you. We really enjoyed the Secret Itineraries tour at Doge's Palace in Venice (you skip the main line) and liked Angel Tours in Rome for the Vatican and Colosseum and Forum (again avoided lines except security).
We took trains between cities (don't bother buying tickets until you get there) and had a day trip in Verona between Venice and Florence and a day in Assisi between Florence and Rome. As others have said, get reservations in advance for the Uffuzi and Accademia, but most hotels can make those arrangements for you. We really enjoyed the Secret Itineraries tour at Doge's Palace in Venice (you skip the main line) and liked Angel Tours in Rome for the Vatican and Colosseum and Forum (again avoided lines except security).
May 25th, 2007, 12:00 PM
#48
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One more vote for the 'big three' - Venice, Florence, Rome.
It is easy to take trains between the three, so no need of a car for this trip.
You don't need adult male supervision, just your wits. Read guidebooks and this forum before you go and get the other friends involved. I also have done the 'divide and conquer' plan with friends.
With a group of friends I like to plan the hotels and also rough ideas of what we want to do. Check and make sure the museums, if you are museum goers, that you want to visit are open on the days you are in each city.
Absolutely don't try to see and do too much. Leave time to sit in cafes, shop, wander, rest. You can't do it all in 10 days!!!
Was also going to suggest Nicolas Inn in Rome, near the Forum. Don't let the un-exciting and busy street, or the fact that you have to unlock a huge wooden door and then climb a staircase, discourage you! It is a nice, friendly B&B and I think Melissa (one of the owners) is from Chicago.
www.nicolasinn.com
But if you feel more comfortable in a hotel, not a B&B, type Rome hotels in the search box here on this forum and you will find TONS of information on hotels in all price ranges.
It is easy to take trains between the three, so no need of a car for this trip.
You don't need adult male supervision, just your wits. Read guidebooks and this forum before you go and get the other friends involved. I also have done the 'divide and conquer' plan with friends.
With a group of friends I like to plan the hotels and also rough ideas of what we want to do. Check and make sure the museums, if you are museum goers, that you want to visit are open on the days you are in each city.
Absolutely don't try to see and do too much. Leave time to sit in cafes, shop, wander, rest. You can't do it all in 10 days!!!
Was also going to suggest Nicolas Inn in Rome, near the Forum. Don't let the un-exciting and busy street, or the fact that you have to unlock a huge wooden door and then climb a staircase, discourage you! It is a nice, friendly B&B and I think Melissa (one of the owners) is from Chicago.
www.nicolasinn.com
But if you feel more comfortable in a hotel, not a B&B, type Rome hotels in the search box here on this forum and you will find TONS of information on hotels in all price ranges.
May 27th, 2007, 09:46 AM
#49
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Hi Greenrealtor,
Check out Tour-Talk.com for tour company information. I found that the tour directory at Tour-Talk.com was very helpful when I was trying to find a tour company that went to Italy. Overseas Adventure travel has great itineraries in Italy. I traveled with them several times, and found that they have small groups and cater to active travelers. I found them through the Tour-Talk.com tour directory.
Check out Tour-Talk.com for tour company information. I found that the tour directory at Tour-Talk.com was very helpful when I was trying to find a tour company that went to Italy. Overseas Adventure travel has great itineraries in Italy. I traveled with them several times, and found that they have small groups and cater to active travelers. I found them through the Tour-Talk.com tour directory.
May 27th, 2007, 10:30 AM
#50
You might be able to get the nervous one more on-board by having her help in the planning. She could research one specific thing, say your itinerary in Venice would be an easy one. The more "buy-in" you have, I believe the smoother things will go. To avoid having her looking to you for guidance, or finding blame if things are not to her liking. Every trip has its hic-ups, that's part of the fun.
May 31st, 2007, 02:48 PM
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<<Overseas Adventure travel has great itineraries in Italy. I traveled with them several times, and found that they have small groups and cater to active travelers.>>
I'm a fan of OAT too.I traveled with them to Morocco and it was wonderful, and I will be traveling with them again in the fall.
However, I think you've had great advice: three cities/three women. Traveling by train in Italy is really easy and fun -- no need for a tour unless you want to cover a lot of territory and don't want to drive.
Furthermore, your ten days limits you. The OAT Italy tour is fourteen days and includes Rome only as a trip extension, in which you would be pretty much on your own.
I don't remember seeing an opportunity for triple rooms either, so one person would have to pay the single supplement.
For your first trip to Italy, your time in Venice, Florence and Rome will give you a wonderful introduction to Italy.
I'm a fan of OAT too.I traveled with them to Morocco and it was wonderful, and I will be traveling with them again in the fall.
However, I think you've had great advice: three cities/three women. Traveling by train in Italy is really easy and fun -- no need for a tour unless you want to cover a lot of territory and don't want to drive.
Furthermore, your ten days limits you. The OAT Italy tour is fourteen days and includes Rome only as a trip extension, in which you would be pretty much on your own.
I don't remember seeing an opportunity for triple rooms either, so one person would have to pay the single supplement.
For your first trip to Italy, your time in Venice, Florence and Rome will give you a wonderful introduction to Italy.
Jun 1st, 2007, 01:43 AM
#52
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Have a wonderful time and where is the spirit of adventure in your husbands?! Oh well girls trip will be great. I planned our first family trip to Italy and it was our first family international trip. I would definitely recommend you travel by train, and do Rome, Venice, and Florence, because you can get the fast direct trains between those cities. You will enjoy the train ride. PACK LIGHT as you will have to hoist your luggage overhead and store it above your seat...where you will NEVER leave it alone or it could be stolen. There are 3 of you so someone should always be watching the luggage at all times.
Yes you can pack light...just do laundry in one of the cities.
If you want to see some of the Tuscan countryside, or the Chianti area, when you are in Florence, you can get a driver to drive you into the countryside for a day-tour. For 3 people that would be quite affordable and fun. Get a recommended driver and book in advance.
I highly recommend Rick Steves guidebook for Italy. Take it with you and use his restaurant recommendations!
Fodors guidebook is always well-organized and I used that as well in the planning stage. But I only brought the Rick Steves book with me to Italy.
Get the book Mona Winks and xerox copies of the pages for the museums you will visit. Entertaining guidebook for the museums of Europe! You can do the museums on your own, just bring some type of guidebook. They also sell guidebooks in the museums.
Skip the Swiss Alps this time as it will be too complicated with the amount of time you have.
Enjoy! Buon viaggio. Oh yes...before you go, buy a set of CDs to listen to with basic Italian for tourists. It will make the trip lots more fun, you would be surprised how much just a little Italian will enable you to have more fun!
Yes you can pack light...just do laundry in one of the cities.
If you want to see some of the Tuscan countryside, or the Chianti area, when you are in Florence, you can get a driver to drive you into the countryside for a day-tour. For 3 people that would be quite affordable and fun. Get a recommended driver and book in advance.
I highly recommend Rick Steves guidebook for Italy. Take it with you and use his restaurant recommendations!
Fodors guidebook is always well-organized and I used that as well in the planning stage. But I only brought the Rick Steves book with me to Italy.
Get the book Mona Winks and xerox copies of the pages for the museums you will visit. Entertaining guidebook for the museums of Europe! You can do the museums on your own, just bring some type of guidebook. They also sell guidebooks in the museums.
Skip the Swiss Alps this time as it will be too complicated with the amount of time you have.
Enjoy! Buon viaggio. Oh yes...before you go, buy a set of CDs to listen to with basic Italian for tourists. It will make the trip lots more fun, you would be surprised how much just a little Italian will enable you to have more fun!
Jun 1st, 2007, 01:48 AM
#53
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Ladies, I forgot a very important bit of advice. When booking your hotel or b&b, location is very important. You want to be located close to the major sites you plan to see, in an interesting and safe neighborhood. DON'T stay somewhere way on the outskirts of a city far away from the sites, especially not in Rome. To enjoy Rome it is very important to stay in a convenient location, so that you can walk to some of the major sites and walk to restaurants. We loved staying near the Pantheon in Rome, a great location to walk to the Pantheon and to the Trevi fountain...we even walked to the Colosseum...We took a cheap public bus to the Vatican Museums and St. Peters and took a taxi back from the taxi stand.
Jun 1st, 2007, 11:22 AM
#54
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Thank you for all of the tips! My head is spinning. I did receive my Rick Steves book and have just started getting in to it. So many things to think about- I do appreciate the things to think about - so many details. I have sent off for my passport. They said 13 weeks waiting time. Please keep the ideas flowing, I'm keeping track of them all!
Jun 1st, 2007, 11:30 AM
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Two ladies in their late 50,s are also doing this trip in October without our men. We have rented apartments in Venice and Tuscany (Spello, almost picked one in Lucca) but there are many to choose from on VRBO. We will travel from these cities to explore. As everyone else has mentioned skip the Alps on this trip as your time is too short
Jun 3rd, 2007, 12:11 PM
#56
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I am in my 50's and have been traveling to Europe since 1973. My husband and I lived in Germany for 2 1/2 years in the mid 1980's.
In the 35 years I have only taken two package tours, both bus trips when we lived in Germany. These were incredibly cheap ways to get transportation and lodging (in Paris for a long weekend and near Barcelona for a week). We abandoned the tours for all sightseeing purposes once we reached our destination.
I remember hearing the Paris itinerary from the tour guide and thinking it was really ambitious for a day--then realizing she meant that they would see all the things she had listed in the morning before stopping at a "typical Paris bistro" where they could try the "sour" French red wine. this experience was an admittedly extreme example of the things that bother me about tours: someone else determines what you will see and how long you will spend at each place and you can only stop at places that cater to fairly large groups.
so I would vote for a do-it-yourself trip. For 10 days I agree with those who suggest you stick with Rome, Florence and Venice and public transportation.
As you start planning I agree Rick Steves is good on the logistics. If you want good detail about things to see I think he leaves out quite a lot, so I would supplement with other guide books.
The NY times travel section has a short article 36 hours in Florence today
http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/06/03...amp;ei=5087%0A
It includes several suggestions including one of my personal favorites --the Museo San Marco with beautiful frescoes by Fra Angelico. then it links to a lot of other articles and entries from Frommer's guide to Florence and Tuscany
There are similar articles/resources for Venice and Rome.
In the 35 years I have only taken two package tours, both bus trips when we lived in Germany. These were incredibly cheap ways to get transportation and lodging (in Paris for a long weekend and near Barcelona for a week). We abandoned the tours for all sightseeing purposes once we reached our destination.
I remember hearing the Paris itinerary from the tour guide and thinking it was really ambitious for a day--then realizing she meant that they would see all the things she had listed in the morning before stopping at a "typical Paris bistro" where they could try the "sour" French red wine. this experience was an admittedly extreme example of the things that bother me about tours: someone else determines what you will see and how long you will spend at each place and you can only stop at places that cater to fairly large groups.
so I would vote for a do-it-yourself trip. For 10 days I agree with those who suggest you stick with Rome, Florence and Venice and public transportation.
As you start planning I agree Rick Steves is good on the logistics. If you want good detail about things to see I think he leaves out quite a lot, so I would supplement with other guide books.
The NY times travel section has a short article 36 hours in Florence today
http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/06/03...amp;ei=5087%0A
It includes several suggestions including one of my personal favorites --the Museo San Marco with beautiful frescoes by Fra Angelico. then it links to a lot of other articles and entries from Frommer's guide to Florence and Tuscany
There are similar articles/resources for Venice and Rome.
