julies

Nicole--

I may be asking for more advice. We have the plane tickets but that is all. I am in the process of doing some research about where exactly we want to go. Typically we are have moved into the slow travel mode and enjoy that rather than just rushing around trying to see all the typical tourist sights. But, this will be the dead of winter and we are wondering if our usual mode of operation will work in the countryside or if we should locate in cites so there are more options available. Frankly, with the abysmal state of the dollar we are also looking at options that will be less expensive.

caroline_edinburgh

Julies, given what you've now said about your interests, I say just split your time between Palermo & Naples.

CasaDelCipresso

I think you will pleasantly surprised at prices in the South Visit any towns off the normal tourist beat and prices won't hit you hard - even with the dollar! To give you an example..a meal for my family of three costs us about 100 euros in Rome (nothing fancy - just basic dinner)...the same meal costs about 25 euros in our southern town. (about 4-5 euros per dish or pizza - house wine is about 2.50 euros ) Even Amalfi prices are nothing like Rome - 20 euros per person willl get you a very nice fixed-price menu with pasta, side, main dish and dessert)I woould assume Palermo is simmilar - but I haven't been yet to check it out

CasaDelCipresso

also - I think you are right to stay in towns (or cities) so as not to feel isolated - go where you can at least mix with locals and not have far to walk to restaurants, etc. in case of bad weather or you will end up spending too much time in the car...or plan out your days so that you have places to visit most days and don't end up sitting inside for the trip! (and, seriously, dress warm so you can spend your days wandering!)

julies

I also just started to take into account the fact that it gets dark early in the winter, and our time for sightseeing during the day will be limited. This too is making me rethink our destinations and way of travel. We don't want to spend a lot of time driving around looking for a new place to stay after dark or lose precious daylight doing this. Once again, thanks.

CasaDelCipresso

I think it best to get up and out the door and do your sightseeing eary...leave shopping for evenings when everyone is out strolling and shopping anyway - everything (not sights - but you need to check times! some things still do close midday and if you get a late start, you could spend the afternoon waiting for something to open)is closed in the afternoon - so plan shopping,etc. for after 4pm. Many restaurants do not open for dinner until 8pm - so take that into account as well when planning your day.