As you are still at the planning stage, you probably havre time to learn a little italian - and however little it is, it's better than none! THere are several threads about the best language courses, but IMO, Michel Thomas is the best. He does a 2 hour 2 CD starter course which will give you the basics which you can transfer into any situation. There are also a lot of more specific travel courses too. I have always enjoyed travel more in places where I can converse a bit - I suspect you will too!

Again...thank you! All of the tips on road signs will be great sources. We will definately also make sure to get good maps.

I am headed to Barnes & Noble next week and was going to look for a good beginners guide/course on Italian...so thank you to "anhhig" as well. :)

It's all starting to come together beautifully...

A couple of years ago I was on the motorway stuck in a traffic jam and a guy with a cowboy hat got out of the car and came up to us holding a huge map of europe and asked me "Is this the way to Florence, Italy?". It was so funny! So much for having detailed michelin driving directions!

Hi tt,

>Have any of you stayed OUTSIDE of FLORENCE? If so, is there a place that would be nice to see the countryside AND the city? We will spend up to $200/night....<

Haven't stayed at thes places, but you might wish to check out these Fiesole hotels:

http://www.bencista.com/main.php

http://www.villaurora.net/

http://tinyurl.com/kzaje

Fiesole is a 20 min bus ride from Florence SMN train station.

((I))