Thanks I am a picnic girl so that is what I will do a lot. I have booked Florence but Desiree is full and Viola is E190 pn now. You are right Venice will be the tricky one for a stay under e55. I have a request in at one of the convents so here is hoping. Thanx to all so far. I would like a room at CT or B&B.

Hi

Try http://www.santafosca.com/statiche/ostello/servizi.asp. Try http://www.giroscopio.com/vaniglia.html and http://www.albergodoni.it. Maybe http://www.bb-venice.com but it's on Lido.

For my first trip to London in 1971 I got London on $5 a day. I think it has gone up, but it may be $7.50 now.

Have Cinque Terre booked now and just Venice to go. Suze your one is booked but they have very kindly offered me discount on any meals I eat there so I will sometimes as I like the look of the tables right by the canal. Thanx. Feeling positive, no I will get Venice booked today.

Thanx also to Ira for Florence. Thank you.

You are welcome, G.

Thank you to everyone who has replied with very encouraging comments. this website has been so helful. I have all my 3 destinations in Italy now booked. I plan to leave Venice by train and go to Linz in Austria until the 29 Oct. I arrive back at Stansted airport 29Oct 17.45 and then leave for New Zealand on 31 Oct at 2.25pm. I am at a bit of a loss of what to do and wondered if I stayed at Windsor as it is small relaxing and close to Heathrow with a lot to see while there.

Also when I begin my trip I need help. I arrive Heathrow 2 Oct at 2.35pm and leave for Italy 4 Oct from Stansted at 06.30am. I think I would need to stay close to Stansted after my long haul from NZ and given the early flight on the 4Oct. Does this sound right.

Hi Grateful,

Your trip sounds wonderful. Mine (October 1-29) is just a little over a month away and I'm super excited! I'll be flying in and out of Zurich and taking the train to Como, Cinque Terre, Perugia, Rome and Florence. If our trips/destinations overlap, let me know and maybe we can meet for a cup of coffee or a meal. I'm trying to meet as many Fodorites as I can while in Italy. I believe that the Cinque Terre portion of my trip is October 8-11.

Oh too bad about La Calcina. But their patio over the canal is a lovely little spot, so I would take them up on their offer. I didn't know the restaurant was for other than guests for breakfast, but I love the place so am guessing it would be good.

I am going to go to Austria by train from Venice. Seems by far the more sensible way to do it and I save a lot of time. I have no idea what to expect of the train ride but if it is a scenic trip I would do it during the day. It seems that it will take about 8hrs to get to Wels in upper Austria. Should I do it day or night. I have found so much of the information I have read on these sites to be so helpful in planning my trip. Classicit.com, weatherunderground.com, www.italy.artiva.com for day trips in and around the Florence/Tuscanny area. Thank you.

The website for Italy tours should read www.italy.artviva.com