Jocelyn_P

You have been put in a tough situation, PLMN, and I don't envy you! If it were me, I'd put my foot down and say we can do either Venice or Rome, but not both. Spending so much time traveling and having short stays in each place would be no fun for me. If you're inclined to go with Ira's plan and only spend two nights in Rome, you may as well skip Rome altogether. The first day you'll be jetlagged and won't see that much, leaving you with one day there. If you're having this much trouble working out details with your family at this point in the planning stage, think of how much fun it will be to prioritize what to see in Rome in one day.

I'm sorry to hear that the hurricane affected you directly. Good luck.

Lorac1127

The first thing that goes is the eyes! Sorry I read the post wrong.

We flew from NYC to Venice direct on Delta. That was a pleasant surprise for us.

The first three nights in Rome and taking the train to Venice is still a good plan--if you stay two nights in Venice--two nights would be the bare miniumum to make it worthwhile.

We stayed at the Hotel Giorgione in the Cannaregio district and loved it. Very comfy lounge, friendly and very helpful front desk, great breakfast and free Internet connection in the billiard room. Some other hotels that made our short list when deciding were the Hotel Ala, Hotel American, Hotel Flora and Locanda Orseolo. That's a good start.

NatalieM

Hi again -- I agree with the 3 nights Rome, 2 nights Venice plan. (of course I've never been there) I have sometimes felt exasperated with input from posters who apparently go to Italy every year or so and have decided that there's no point even going if you can't spend a week in each location. (o.k. I'm exaggerating) Let's keep in mind that many people see all of Europe in a couple of weeks...a couple nights in what is supposed to be one of the most amazing cities in the world can't be all bad! For lodging, check out www.vrbo.com. I'm finding excellent deals by looking at the privately owned apartments on this site.

Lorac1127

NatalieM, I agree with you. We never know if and when we will ever return to Italy, so if there is something that we've longed to see, it is definitely a stop, even if for one night.

We did that a few years ago when we were in Florence for a few days. We had a free apartment, but the Tuscan countryside was calling us and we were anxious to get out of the city and into the country, that we left a day early and did the Chiantigiana route and headed to Siena for the night. It was wonderful. Would a week have been better? Yes. But we didn't have a week or even two nights, but we got to see Chianti country, and were very happy we did that.

Jocelyn_P

I normally wouldn't make the suggestion I did for PLMN (Phoebe), but in case you haven't been following her saga, she's been having a really difficult time getting everyone to agree on anything. I suggested simplifying things to make it easier on Phoebe. Keep in mind she's traveling with her parents--not a couple of carefree college kids. No offense meant to your family, Phoebe (or all parents out there!), it's just that I've traveled to Europe with my parents twice and for us, the more complicated it got, the more stressed out everyone was and then it wasn't fun anymore. Of course every family is different, but Phoebe, as much trouble as you've had already I worry about you making things too hard.

PLMN

Hi everyone! I REALLY appreciate ya'll giving me your input.

I had a call from my mother and father today in response to my email regarding intinerary. (They live in different cities which has made planning all the more difficult.) Anyway, my mother likes the plans so far. My father is not very happy about the train ride. He says he has ridden the trains in Europe and does not find them enjoyable. My mother and I on the other hand like long train rides every 20 years or so. From what I can fathom from my father he will go along with the train ride idea.

I personally like the idea of picking the car up in Bologna, but I think in this case renting the car when we leave Venice is more likely. For those that don't think we should bother with Bologna- my dad is looking forward to stopping there. I think he may have had experience with the food there and wants to go back. So it looks like we will stop there for sure.

The latest twist and turn (bob, don't go there ) is: The possibility of flying Delta has her freaked out. She is afraid Delta will go into bankruptcy (sp?)and leave us stranded. geesh.

Now, mom does not want a hotel for Venice. She says the last time she was there she stayed in a pensione and wants to stay in one again. Any pensione suggestions?

Well I'm off to find the airline website that offers trip insurance for a low price. I was going to use an American Express travel agent. I started talking to her Friday but now I can't reach her because her office in Orlando is still without power.

Speak to you later alligators.

marcy_

PLMN,
You're a saint! O

Lorac1127

These are two "pensiones" that I read good things about: Pensione Accademia and Pensione La Calcina.

Friends of ours stayed at the Accademia and liked it very much. We had lunch at La Calcina's restaurant on the dock outside and it is in a very nice, but quiet location.

PLMN

Thank you Lorac.

Just want to let everyone know..WE FINALLY PURCHASED OUR TICKETS!!!!!!!

More in another thread though....the saga continues.