I have never been to Europe, but I have the opportunity to share a rented house in Tuscany for a month this summer. From that location, will it be easy to travel to other western European locations? Will I have to rent a car? Suggestions for what are "musts?" I plan to return many times, but I want the most of this first trip. (I am not a student, but a healthy, eager teacher traveling with other educators.)

Nancy: Starting out with a month in Tuscany will spoil you. <BR> <BR>When I first went to Europe, it was to work in Frankfurt in 1983. Working for a government contractor (US), I was able to utilize the same services that the US Armed Forces used. With that, I took several tours: Paris, Holland, Belgium and Switzerland and by then I was becoming more familiar with Germany and somewhat with Europe. After that, I just drove or took a train to wherever I wanted visiting most German cities, Austria, Italy, UK and some other countries, seeing them as I wanted and at my own pace. I left that job in '86 and returned to the US to stay. I didn't go back until 1997 when my wife and I honeymooned in Germany. We have gone back again this past January to Paris and I am currently planning another Germany trip for May '99 with my wife and family. I am comfortable traveling in Europe even though I still tend to get lost. You don't seem to forget very much though. <BR> <BR>It all comes down to getting a feel for Europe's differences and getting accustomed to where everything is and how to get around. My suggestion is to get acquainted with Europe and then decide how and where you want to go. <BR> <BR>My personal favorites were: Bavaria (anywhere), Paris, Cannes, Provence, Switzerland (anywhere), Vienna, Holland, Brugges and London that come to mind. I still want to see Venice, Tuscany and Prague. <BR> <BR>Pick up some literature, visit this web site, talk to people and then choose. You'll be fine with that, I think. <BR> <BR>Have a good trip! <BR>

I agree with Lee: do some research. In one month, you can't see everything. Make a list of what you like: what kind of museums? art? archaeology?; do you like outdoor activities like hiking, or do you prefer less strenuous activities? do you like boat rides? do you like heights? For example, my sister is terrified of heights so a trip in a gondola up the Alps would NOT be on her list. Decide how much you want to stick to a schedule; if you want to see EVERYTHING, you'll have to stick to a pretty tight schedule. Lee likes Bavaria; I like Paris and the Dordogne Valley. No matter where you go or what you see, enjoy...the best parts of your trip will be the unexpected...

Nancy, I would get a good map and draw <BR>a circle of about 300 miles. In that, you can see most of Italy but also get <BR>to Bavaria, the Swiss alps, the French <BR>riviera, and most of Austria. There is no reason to try and go further.However, <BR>these side trips will mean staying out <BR>for 2 or 3 days and you will lose your <BR>free bed in Tuscany. Contact me directly <BR>if you want some specific itineraies.

Nancy, If I were you I would begin by looking in your immediate area. I suggest you pick up the Rough Guide for Italy unless your interests are limited to Tuscany itself. In the latter case get the Rough Guide to Tuscany. This will direct you to the sites and also good economical eating and sleeping. <BR> <BR>Within Tuscany itself I suggest that you visit Firenze (Florence) and Siena first. Florence will take at least 3 days to do right in my view. See the Uffizi art gallery (the best in Italy), the Bargello, and visit David at the Accademia. If you're into art see the Pitti Palace as well, and Santo Croce. <BR> <BR>Siena can be done in a day, but I would visit more than once. It is a wonderful place. <BR> <BR>The Tuscan countryside is wonderful as well. If you have a car make certain to see it. San Giminagno, Montelpulciano and Arrezzo are worth seeing as well. Pisa is worth 4 hours for the Campo dei Miracoli (Cathedral, Bapistry, and Leaning Tower). Lucca is a wonderful walled city. <BR> <BR>Umbria (next door) is wonderful too. I liked Assisi, and Orvieto is supposed to be nice. Rick Steves reccomends a very small village named Civita de Bagnoregio in his book. Further afield, a few days in Rome are good if it's not late Juy or August when you're there. I'm partial to Ravenna near the Adriatic coast. Not as a beach resort, but for the wonderful churches. Dantes tomb is there as well, and I love the city generally. You could easily spend a nmonth just exploring Tuscany and parts of Umbria, and I would do just that if I were you. Paris and London are a LONG way off, so forget about them. Rome is a broiler in late summer, and Milan is overrated. If you must go FAR afield for a trip, I recommend Venice!

The advice about trying to do too much is good. Enjoy what you see when you are there. Do not spend all your time rushing from place to place and not really enjoying the moment. I see a lot of that in Europe with first timers. Another comment: Don't avoid Rome in August. We were there this August. Yes, it was hot. But we could actually walk into the Sistine chapel and see it. The crowds are still there, but not as bad as the "great weather" group. Go for it. You will see a great city. Also do Bavaria, if possible. Nice area.

Hello, Nancy. I absolutely loved Italy, so if I was in your shoes, I'd stick with Italy. There's so much to see, that you probably won't see everything even in one month. Don't forget to enjoy your house/villa. Take walks around the country side, buy food at the local markets, etc. I would read "Under the Tuscan Sun" before heading to Tuscany. It may give you a better idea of how to enjoy the Tuscan country side. <BR> <BR>Florence is definitely a must. I'm certain that you can fit Venice in there as well. I would save Venice for the end of your trip. It would be a fitting finale. <BR> <BR>Again, I would stick to Italy, as it has a lot to offer: the country side, the cities, the coast. Enjoy your trip! I wish I was going with you!

<BR>Enjoy your first trip. I have never recaptured the awe and the wonder of my first trip to Europe. I have been twice since and have really loved each trip but that first one is magic. I agree about going to Bavaria, Salzburg, Vienna, Venice. All of these are great. Since you have a month, I would pick a couple of places and go for a few days. Paris, Switzerland, Munich or the Romantic Road. The area around Fussen is wonderful. Any of Southern Germany, Switerzerland, Austria or Northern Italy is wonderful. Each area has its own feel. Italy always feels so old. It is really something to see. Germany is so clean and organized. These two countries are really a study in contrast. Above all have fun and go until you can't go any more. You can rest when you get home!

<BR>Thanks to all of you who have responded. I really appreciate your words of wisdom, and I can't wait to practice what you preach! I have printed out your responses, and I may have some more specific questions when I get further into the planning. Again, thanks for giving me a good start - Nancy