Anyone going to Italy in October???
Mar 9th, 2007, 10:37 AM
#22
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We are going to Rome and Venice in late August/early September. I also booked airline tickets months ago to use FF miles. We booked our hotels a month or two ago - we had enough points for the Westin Rome, and we are staying at Hotel Bernardi in Venice. The only other thing I have done is sent an e-mail to reserve the Scavi Tour at the Vatican. Just did that last night, actually!
I think this summer I will try to get my train travel in order. I've pretty much decided against the France-Italy rail pass I was originally considering, so I will be trying to book tickets as soon as they are available online.
Best of luck to you! I definitely agree with you that this is SO much work!! So much to think about, and with 4 cities on my itinerary I feel like I'm planning 4 vacations in one!
I think this summer I will try to get my train travel in order. I've pretty much decided against the France-Italy rail pass I was originally considering, so I will be trying to book tickets as soon as they are available online.
Best of luck to you! I definitely agree with you that this is SO much work!! So much to think about, and with 4 cities on my itinerary I feel like I'm planning 4 vacations in one!
Mar 9th, 2007, 11:06 AM
#23
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em_axo: I also put in my request for the Scavi tour. I wonder if it is a first come first serve basis. Let us know if you get in. Of my 4 places, I still need a winery/tuscany base to stay and Venice is making me nuts. Prices are up there and of course want good location as well.
Mar 9th, 2007, 11:13 AM
#24
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Yeah, not knowing the city, I don't know how great the location is at Hotel Bernardi, but the price was reasonable.
I'll keep you updated on Scavi. As far as I've read it is first-come, first-serve.
I'll keep you updated on Scavi. As far as I've read it is first-come, first-serve.
Mar 9th, 2007, 11:35 AM
#25
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Flying into Venice late November, then leaving on a cruise from Venice with return to Venice, then spending another three days driving around winding up in Milano to fly home.
Have booked hotel for Venice but nothing for end of trip.
Have booked hotel for Venice but nothing for end of trip.
Mar 9th, 2007, 01:00 PM
#26
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ljc4creb - hope some of these answers help:
Tuscany - try Al Poggiolo apartments in Montepulciano. They have parking at the apartment behind a locked gate. We stayed there a couple of years ago. Montepulciano is a beautiful town and a great base for touring other towns. We are staying at Al Poggiolo again this June.
A good pick up place for car rental in Tuscany is Chiusi. We are using Hertz and their office is across the street from the train station. Driving in Tuscany is easy. You will love it.
Venice - if you are looking for a budget hotel, Hotel Bernardi is in a good location and is very clean. We paid 90 euro for a double with ensuite bath in high season. But we have found that we like apartments over hotels. We have had great luck with venicerentals.com and veniceapartments.org for rentals of less than a week. Both are very helpful in getting you oriented to the city.
Rome - We have stayed at the Hotel Marcus before (budget hotel) but again we are going with an apartment this time. We are using rentalinrome.com. This one is also for less than a week.
For me, the planning of the trip is almost as fun as the actual trip itself. But you better get going on it....October will be here before you know it!
Have a great trip!
Tuscany - try Al Poggiolo apartments in Montepulciano. They have parking at the apartment behind a locked gate. We stayed there a couple of years ago. Montepulciano is a beautiful town and a great base for touring other towns. We are staying at Al Poggiolo again this June.
A good pick up place for car rental in Tuscany is Chiusi. We are using Hertz and their office is across the street from the train station. Driving in Tuscany is easy. You will love it.
Venice - if you are looking for a budget hotel, Hotel Bernardi is in a good location and is very clean. We paid 90 euro for a double with ensuite bath in high season. But we have found that we like apartments over hotels. We have had great luck with venicerentals.com and veniceapartments.org for rentals of less than a week. Both are very helpful in getting you oriented to the city.
Rome - We have stayed at the Hotel Marcus before (budget hotel) but again we are going with an apartment this time. We are using rentalinrome.com. This one is also for less than a week.
For me, the planning of the trip is almost as fun as the actual trip itself. But you better get going on it....October will be here before you know it!
Have a great trip!
Mar 9th, 2007, 04:37 PM
#27
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Granbury: This whole "research" project is unbelievable! I have learned a lot about Italy. I have created an addiction trying to absorb so much info and from experienced kind people makes it a bit less stressful. I'm going to check out your suggestions. I have learned I have a relative from Florence so...another project looking for her. I haven't even really looked at the dozen or so books I have because all you people are so helpful and so full of info. I wonder if I'll pass any of you by in my travels.
Mar 9th, 2007, 05:58 PM
#28
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In terms of where to rent/drop off a rental car, we've mostly travelled north to south, so we're dropping at the Rome end. Based on other Fodors posters, though, picking up from Rome, you could (i) pick up the rental car in Rome if you're used to driving in big cities & don't mind some stress; (ii) take the train to Orvieto (which is actually in Umbria, but close to the edge of Tuscany) and get a rental car; or (iii) take the train to Chiusi and pick up your rental car. Orvieto is a lovely city to visit. Chiusi is smaller, has a very good Etruscan museum, but I think (you'd want to check on this) the car rental is not right at the train station. You can wait several more months to arrange the car rental, but definitely do it before you leave. Like a number of other Fodorites, we've rented from AutoEurope successfully for years. I haven't dropped off a rental in Florence, but we have picked up from there, twice. Once, we took a cab to some rental location outside of the city; the other time, we rented in the city. Both times, it worked out just fine.
In terms of places we like in Tuscany, we keep returning to the Siena-San G-Volterra area, which we enjoy very much. Another wonderful area to visit is the Montalcino-Montelpulciano-Pienza area, which you're already considering. You could visit Siena and San G on your way to Florence, if you don't plan to be to Florence until later in the day. Use mappy.com to check the distance from Siena to San G; I'm thinking it's about 45 minutes. Another possibility for getting to Florence is to take s222 through Chianti; it's a very pretty drive. But if you plan to visit San G. and Siena, it would be a busy day to drive s222 as well.
On olive oil, you can find all sorts of prices (just like buying olive oil here at home).
In terms of places we like in Tuscany, we keep returning to the Siena-San G-Volterra area, which we enjoy very much. Another wonderful area to visit is the Montalcino-Montelpulciano-Pienza area, which you're already considering. You could visit Siena and San G on your way to Florence, if you don't plan to be to Florence until later in the day. Use mappy.com to check the distance from Siena to San G; I'm thinking it's about 45 minutes. Another possibility for getting to Florence is to take s222 through Chianti; it's a very pretty drive. But if you plan to visit San G. and Siena, it would be a busy day to drive s222 as well.
On olive oil, you can find all sorts of prices (just like buying olive oil here at home).
Mar 10th, 2007, 06:11 AM
#29
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Lexma: Thank you very much. Where did you stay in Southern Tuscany? I have found a few but they are about $300/night. It seems high especially if traveling all day. I would like a place with views, not stuck in a room and not too far out. I think I'm going to take the train from Rome and get the car at Orvieto, makes sense. With 3 days, I have a lot to do and was thinking of doing Siena and s.Gim on the way to Florence. Wondering about how safe to leave the car/maybe drop off in Siena and take a bus to Florence. Just wondering about the luggage/where to leave while wandering/once I drop the car I'll have to take it with me. How much time do you need to visit each little town in the Southern area? I want to visit a winery also. Thanks.
Mar 10th, 2007, 05:37 PM
#32
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The two times we've visited southern Tuscany, we've stayed in Orvieto (before someone corrects me, it is not in Tuscany, but Umbria) and the other time, for five days at a rather remote inn for a horseback-riding (!) vacation. The town was delightful, but out of the way for actual sight-seeing. So I can't really help you with hotels. But do searches here on Fodor's for Pienza, Montalcino, Montelpulciano, etc., and you'll find many great hotel/inn/B&B recommendations. (We've visited central Tuscany more, if that's what you'd call it, and have stayed at several different places in San Gimignano. But I think that's too far north for you on your current trip.)
I don't know where you could leave your luggage after you drop off your car in Siena. Maybe not drop off the car until you've visited Siena, just so you have somewhere to store your bags?
A good rule of thumb for deciding how much time it will take to visit small towns is two a day. You could certainly visit more, but as a general matter, between lunch, driving between locations and any closing hours, two a day works for planning purposes.
There are many wineries in the area, of course. It's a little different from visiting wineries in Napa Valley, as Italian vineyards aren't really set up for masses of tourists visiting just to try wine. The biggest, and the one most like those in Napa, is Castello Banfi. It is beautiful, and there's an enoteca for casual food/lunches, as well as a more formal restaurant, in addition to the store with a tasting bar. As I recall, you do have to make reservations for a tour of the winery.
I don't know where you could leave your luggage after you drop off your car in Siena. Maybe not drop off the car until you've visited Siena, just so you have somewhere to store your bags?
A good rule of thumb for deciding how much time it will take to visit small towns is two a day. You could certainly visit more, but as a general matter, between lunch, driving between locations and any closing hours, two a day works for planning purposes.
There are many wineries in the area, of course. It's a little different from visiting wineries in Napa Valley, as Italian vineyards aren't really set up for masses of tourists visiting just to try wine. The biggest, and the one most like those in Napa, is Castello Banfi. It is beautiful, and there's an enoteca for casual food/lunches, as well as a more formal restaurant, in addition to the store with a tasting bar. As I recall, you do have to make reservations for a tour of the winery.
Mar 12th, 2007, 12:36 PM
#34
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I'm going in October!! I'm very excited as well. I already booked my plane tix and my lodgings. I have been surfing this site and there were many great suggestions. I'm going 9 days. I was surprised at how quickly hotels booked up as well. I'm flying into Rome (4 nights), travel by train to Siena (1 night), again by train to Venice (4 nights).
Mar 25th, 2007, 10:14 AM
#35
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ljc4creb,
I couldn't agree with you more....
I've been researching and planning (love it!) for the last 2 years. I can't believe how quickly Oct. 2007 is coming up...just 6 months away!
Here's what we've booked:
Venice-Locanda Orseolo (this was the only place I wanted to stay in Venice, so I booked it a year in advance)
I've narrowed down our stays to 2 places each in Cinque Terre and Florence. In Tuscany, I have 4 places, I'm just working on the logistics of which 2 bases to select.
The airfare is another matter. After a month of extensive searching, I will be booking the air in the next couple of days. Once this is done, I'll decide which places of the ones I've narrowed down and book them.
I just started researching the car rental for Tuscany (7 days) and am shocked at the prices.
Hope your planning is going well....
See you in Italia!
Ciao!
I couldn't agree with you more....
I've been researching and planning (love it!) for the last 2 years. I can't believe how quickly Oct. 2007 is coming up...just 6 months away!
Here's what we've booked:
Venice-Locanda Orseolo (this was the only place I wanted to stay in Venice, so I booked it a year in advance)
I've narrowed down our stays to 2 places each in Cinque Terre and Florence. In Tuscany, I have 4 places, I'm just working on the logistics of which 2 bases to select.
The airfare is another matter. After a month of extensive searching, I will be booking the air in the next couple of days. Once this is done, I'll decide which places of the ones I've narrowed down and book them.
I just started researching the car rental for Tuscany (7 days) and am shocked at the prices.
Hope your planning is going well....
See you in Italia!
Ciao!
Mar 25th, 2007, 10:29 AM
#36
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ljc4creb,
Have you booked your Tuscany reservations? Since we're both on the same page (research and planning gurus), maybe I've found a place in the area you're looking for in your price range. I've added some links below. Not sure if they're booked.
If I were staying only 3 days in Tuscany, I'd definitely choose the Montapulciano/Montalcino/Pienza area. That seems to have it all and you can still day trip to Siena, Arezzo or Cotona if you wanted to.
Montalcino: http://www.gigliohotel.com
Siena: http://www.dievole.it
This is our first trip to Italy and we're celebrating our anniversary (#10) also!
Ciao!
Have you booked your Tuscany reservations? Since we're both on the same page (research and planning gurus), maybe I've found a place in the area you're looking for in your price range. I've added some links below. Not sure if they're booked.
If I were staying only 3 days in Tuscany, I'd definitely choose the Montapulciano/Montalcino/Pienza area. That seems to have it all and you can still day trip to Siena, Arezzo or Cotona if you wanted to.
Montalcino: http://www.gigliohotel.com
Siena: http://www.dievole.it
This is our first trip to Italy and we're celebrating our anniversary (#10) also!
Ciao!
Mar 25th, 2007, 12:36 PM
#37
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We're returning to Italy from Sept 22 to Oct 13. We will be in several places including CT, Florence, Tuscany/Umbria, AC, and Rome. Our base in Tuscany will be Montalcino once again, we love that place.
I'd check prices with AutoEurope and definitely rent a a car while in Tuscany.
[email protected]
I'd check prices with AutoEurope and definitely rent a a car while in Tuscany.
[email protected]
Mar 25th, 2007, 03:15 PM
#38
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OHMYGOSH!!!! I'M NOT ALONE, AFTER ALL!!! This is my first trip to Italy and my daughter and I are driving each other crazy with the planning. As it was, we waited too long by booking last week for Oct 16-Oct 25th dates. Could get there on FF miles but could not get home. So we are flying to Paris, and then on to Venice. Then train to Florence,Siena and Rome. I'm so glad I'm not the only one who is paranoid about getting our plans down pat. My son-in-law works for large world hotel group and we are waiting for him to find out if he can get us their employee rate in Rome, Venice and Florence. If so, we are SOOO set! BUT, since we may not hear on that for up to a week, we are going ahead and at least making reservations for alternatives. Finding many places already booked. 
Good luck to all of you! I love this website and have gotten so much assistance. I see many places here mentioned the "Scavi tour" at Vatican. Can someone tell me what it is please? Sounds like I may want to book a reservation, also! :0 Thanks!
This is my first trip to Italy and my daughter and I are driving each other crazy with the planning. As it was, we waited too long by booking last week for Oct 16-Oct 25th dates. Could get there on FF miles but could not get home. So we are flying to Paris, and then on to Venice. Then train to Florence,Siena and Rome. I'm so glad I'm not the only one who is paranoid about getting our plans down pat. My son-in-law works for large world hotel group and we are waiting for him to find out if he can get us their employee rate in Rome, Venice and Florence. If so, we are SOOO set! BUT, since we may not hear on that for up to a week, we are going ahead and at least making reservations for alternatives. Finding many places already booked. Good luck to all of you! I love this website and have gotten so much assistance. I see many places here mentioned the "Scavi tour" at Vatican. Can someone tell me what it is please? Sounds like I may want to book a reservation, also! :0 Thanks!
Mar 25th, 2007, 04:41 PM
#39
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WOW, there a quite of few of us traveling "together". I wonder if anyone one on this site has ever met/crossed paths. Maybe we could all wear something that would signal the other that we sort of "know each other". ok, it may sound weird to some but I think it is fun and adventurous. Anyone got any ideas? ...I haven't booked a car yet and am very surprised about the prices. We need automatic to make it even more costly. I emailed my hotels for any information they could give about tours, dinners, special places, and they all emailed back. I'm booked at Residenza Cellini, La Locanda di SAn Francesco, Palazzo al Torrione, Hotel Davanzati, and Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo (in that order).
Mar 25th, 2007, 05:06 PM
#40
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ljc- We are going to Italy Sept. 26th- Oct. 9th. I have booked hotels and air (FF miles) so far, but not trains or tours. Trains we'll do the day before and and I'm working on tours next week for Vatican, Tuscany, etc.. When I started looking some hotels were booked as of a couple of weeks ago so I wouldn't wait too long!
We are landing in Milan and taking the train directly to Monterosso (Cinque Terra) for three nights at the Hotel Palme. We'll stuff ourselves with pesto drenched pasta, walk the paths and get rid of the jet lag. Next stop Florence for two nights at the Hotel Casci. We then take the train or bus to Siena for three nights at the Palazzo Ravizza and hire a tour guide for day trips to a winery and some hill towns. I thought of getting a car, but horror stories from friends convinced me to pass. We end the trip in Rome for four nights, two each at the Hotel Santa Maria and Marriott Grand Flora (points). We'll probably go for the Vatican's own tour to avoid the line and do a tour for the other "usual suspects" so we get a little background info and have an idea of what we're looking at!
We got most of our information to plan our trip from this great site! I researched all the hotels on Trip Advisor's site and we'll find tour people from the recommendations posted by other Fodorites.
We are really excited about our trip and I'm sure you are to. Enjoy!!
We are landing in Milan and taking the train directly to Monterosso (Cinque Terra) for three nights at the Hotel Palme. We'll stuff ourselves with pesto drenched pasta, walk the paths and get rid of the jet lag. Next stop Florence for two nights at the Hotel Casci. We then take the train or bus to Siena for three nights at the Palazzo Ravizza and hire a tour guide for day trips to a winery and some hill towns. I thought of getting a car, but horror stories from friends convinced me to pass. We end the trip in Rome for four nights, two each at the Hotel Santa Maria and Marriott Grand Flora (points). We'll probably go for the Vatican's own tour to avoid the line and do a tour for the other "usual suspects" so we get a little background info and have an idea of what we're looking at!
We got most of our information to plan our trip from this great site! I researched all the hotels on Trip Advisor's site and we'll find tour people from the recommendations posted by other Fodorites.
We are really excited about our trip and I'm sure you are to. Enjoy!!
