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First Vacation to Europe, need some help PRONTO

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First Vacation to Europe, need some help PRONTO

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Old Apr 1st, 2014, 01:38 AM
  #21  
 
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I wouldn't hit the panic button quite yet. I booked a two bedroom apartment in the heart of Rome with air con wifi etc at a very favorable price and I had my choice of many apartments. Don't know about Spain but Barcelona typically has a lot of accommodation (including apartments). Most travel agents are accustomed to finding air deals for groups on short notice.

I'm not a huge fan of Barcelona so I can't be a fair judge but when you say the family is in love with Spanish culture then I am wondering which part of Spain you are talking about in particular because the food and music and many other things differs sharply from region to region. So before you zero in on one city make sure it offers the type of Spanish culture you are looking for.
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Old Apr 1st, 2014, 01:39 AM
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I should have added that I booked the 2 bedroom apartment last week and the travel dates are the first week in July.
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Old Apr 1st, 2014, 06:36 AM
  #23  
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Hmm, you're right sandralist.. I'll look into that.
THANKS!
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Old Apr 1st, 2014, 07:19 AM
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Bases on the scant info provided so far - "art and history", I would say Italy, specifically Rome.

Don't spend less than 5 nights in Rome - it has SO much. You could spend weeks there just skimming highlights.

If you have 7 nights, then I would add 2 nights in Florence. so, 5 nights/Rome, 2 nights/Florence.

If your "week" is actually only one week from your homes front door and back, then just stay in Rome for your stay (and get an APARTMENT!).
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Old Apr 1st, 2014, 08:23 AM
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Don't worry about picking the "right" country. It's now between Spain and Italy. Either one will be wonderful. Just pick a major city and concentrate on what it has to offer. You only have 5 days and you don't want to have to waste entire days by traveling on a train or by car.

Remember you are only 17 and you have many more trips ahead of you. And also remember that you simply can not go wrong with anywhere in Italy OR Spain. Either way you win!
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Old Apr 1st, 2014, 08:57 AM
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Schaz- this is a lot of pressure for your family to put on you. Especially since you are the oldest of four!

But you can do it! We trust you! Here's the thing- no matter whether you choose Spain or Italy, you can't go wrong. Just remember that. You will all have a fabulous time whether you end up in Spain or Italy.

That being said- I still think Rome should be your first stop. You can rent an apartment there and that would be so much more convenient than 2-3 hotel rooms. Additionally, staying in a hotel allows you to have some meals "at home" and snacks for the young ones. (Who doesn't like a bowl of cheerios at midnight???)

Here are a couple of good sites to look at apartments. Many of us here rent apartments for the ease, comfort (more room to spread out, etc) and savings. Try RentalInRome.com and SleepInItaly.com. I've rented from both agencies and they were great.

For instance, I picked a week in June (4 nights) and found this unit on RentalInRome.com: http://www.rentalinrome.com/campodef...tment?bts=true

The areas you should look at are Campo de Fiori, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain. These are all more or less near the center of Rome and you can walk to many sites from these neighborhoods.

Five nights Rome, then 2 nights in Florence would be great.

Good luck!
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Old Apr 1st, 2014, 08:58 AM
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*** That should say, "staying in an APARTMENT allows you to have some meals..."
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Old Apr 1st, 2014, 09:58 AM
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Actually, I do not think an apartment is a good idea for a first trip, especially with children. I think a hotel where questions can be asked and where guidance and directions can given would of great assistance.

My guess is that the burden put on this honest, energetic, and sincere teenager is unfair but will probably continue. It will make theit trip that much easier.
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Old Apr 1st, 2014, 11:31 AM
  #29  
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I don't know what to say to all of you. Thank you so much, you guys are life savers ahaha! I'd practically hug all of you at this point.
Nah, don't worry about the burden. I'm willingly taking it because we're all practically going because of my constant persistence on the matter. Who's better to make sure it actually happens than myself, eh?
You know what, I think this plan is awesome. I was already taking Rome as a base, and I was confused about the second city. I bit between Florence and Venice. I think I might stick to 4-5 days in Rome, and 2 days in one of these cities.
So, which one better between these two? For a two day stay that is? Florence or Venice?
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Old Apr 1st, 2014, 11:35 AM
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I tend to agree with you, because this trip is so last minute, and the parents are not doing much. SO it is up to Schaz to pick a place and then they have a travel agent to arrange details, I think. This is only a one week trip done at the last minute, apartments involve a considerable amount of planning and details. I rented one in Barcelona and it went sort of okay, but I've been there and know some Spanish. I had to make special arrangements to meet up with them and then deal with it when the place wasn't what I had actually reserved, plus make my own arrangements for transportation on arrival and departure, etc.

This just seems like a lot to handle so last minute, but maybe it could work, don't know.

If you really want to do Italy, I'd say go for it, a week is enough for one place. It will be a bit hot in June there, of course, but not like the desert.

As for Spain, remember this is only one week, you can't do all those things in one week (visit several cities and travel around). I love Barcelona and even though it is Catalonia, of course, you still get some Spanish taste by being there, and there is a lot to do and it's a pleasant city. And if you know Spanish, of course they understand it and it is useful. I would NOT plan on going to Seville or anywhere down south in June on such a trip, it's too hot. You could combine Madrid with Barcelona and they are different. Especially if you love art, Madrid for a couple days can't be beat to see the museums, the palace and maybe just wander around the Old Town area.
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Old Apr 1st, 2014, 12:41 PM
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You're a good kid Schaz.
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Old Apr 1st, 2014, 07:18 PM
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I have to put in my two cents here. Sounds like you've pretty much decided on Rome and Florence, and you really can't go wrong as far as sites. But it can get really hot in Rome in the summer and crowded with tourists.

I'd also avoid Venice and Paris because of the crowds.

My vote goes to Barcelona because the location is beautiful. There's architecture you will never see anywhere else, a beach, the Barceloneta, within the city limits, and all sorts of things to see/do.

Tarragona,just to the south of Barcelona makes a great day trip. Roman ruins and an archaeology museum overlooking the Med.

There are two amazing gardens to the north of Barcelona, also overlooking the sea. Here's some info:

http://www.marimurtra.cat/

http://www.spain.info/en/que-quieres..._cap_roig.html

Good luck whatever you decide.
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Old Apr 1st, 2014, 07:39 PM
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My vote goes to Rome and Venice. Rome, for a million possibilities for sightseeing, obviously Roman ruins, the Vatican (NOT my thing at all - in fact can't stand it, but seems to be wildly popular as a tourist venue), gorgeous hidden churches, great food, the Spanish Steps, and all the usual things. And Venice - completely unique in the world. A heaving tourist spot in high season, but it's quite possible to see through that and enjoy its many, many joys.
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Old Apr 1st, 2014, 08:11 PM
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yes... i think that italy has more varied places in closer proximity with great trains to suit your needs. i would go to italy for such a short first trip.

i agree with all stcirq said... also... if you want, you can get from venice to rome on a sleeper train. i love sleepers... and it saves a day of travel.
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Old Apr 1st, 2014, 08:18 PM
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Don't want to be a Debbie Downer . . . But you are going to need accommodations for six w/ air conditioning - not easy at short notice.

My suggestions is do that first - find a place to stay in one of your wish list cities and build the trip around that.

It may take you a LOT of searching to nail down a place . . .
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Old Apr 1st, 2014, 08:20 PM
  #36  
 
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But sagan55- if they want to see Roman ruins... they can just go to Rome!

I just wonder if the younger kids (4, 11 and 15) will get as much out of Venice as they would Florence.

But for two days, it might work. For sure Schaz and her parents would love Venice. Maybe the younger girls will get a kick out of the bridges and water and gondolas.

Schaz, the bullet train from Rome to Venice is 3 hours and 45 minutes. The trains are comfortable, efficient and fast.

You can either fly into Rome and home from Venice. Or if it ends up being cheaper to fly round-trip, then fly into Rome and train immediately to Venice. After 2 nights, then take the train to Rome, spend 5 nights and fly home from there. This is the best thing to do and saves you from backtracking later.

Buon viaggio!
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Old Apr 1st, 2014, 08:26 PM
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oh... and since you used the word 'pronto' in the subject-line, i'm thinking your subconscious already knew the answer was italy!!
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Old Apr 2nd, 2014, 02:08 AM
  #38  
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Hmm.. This is interesting.
I'm very intrigued by Spain, but I think that I should go there some other time, probably with more days.
Barcelona is beautiful from what I've heard and seen!
So I want to know what is the difference between what Florence and Venice has to offer, like when one of you said my younger siblings might appreciate Florence better, and that Venice might be over crowded due to the high season time.
I'll research, but if you tell me something here it'll be very helpful too.
And yes, I'll discuss it with my parents about the apartment/Hotel-room issue.We're all working on different sectors, so you don't have to worry about my burden.
I feel bad, I hope you don't think ill of my parents because of this because I'm honestly willingly doing this and they're working on other parts of the trip.
And I hate being unoriginal with the constant "thank you" lines, but you guys have honestly done a lot. It means a lot to me that you are talking out your time to comment, and add in your input that helping SO much!
THANKS ONCE AGAIN!
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Old Apr 2nd, 2014, 02:38 AM
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I think Venice is the better choice for the young people in your family. Florence will be crowded too and hotter. It is often easier for people to get over jet lag if they fly into Venice first and then go to Rome.

I don't think you need a hotel room. You'll do fine with an apartment in Rome. Get one with wi-fi and if you have questions while you are traveling, people will help you answer them.

You can get good family discounts on high-speed trains in Italy but you need to book in advance to get the discounts.

I think it is great your parents trust you with these kinds of responsibilities. Obviously with good reason. You are being very resourceful in figuring things out.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2014, 04:10 AM
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PS: I noticed you asked why some people were recommending Venice over Florence, or vice versa.

Since you have a 4 year old with you, I think Florence is hard place for a 4 year old to enjoy. Most of what people find interesting is the artwork, and most of the famous artwork is in very crowded places where it is very hard for a 4 year old to see anything. Even 11 year olds can lose interest in seeing paintings and churches and museums. There is also lots of shopping, but for the kind of money people are willing to give children to spend, there is just as much shopping in Venice.

In Venice there is a lot to interest kids under 12 and teens as well. There is obviously the boat rides, plus things like masks and glass blowing. There are orchestras outside at night. You don't have to see famous sights in Venice to find it interesting to be there. If it feels too crowded you can take a boat to Burano and just enjoy the little town and seeing the lace makers. I suggest if you pick Venice that you don't pick a hotel right in San Marco. Pick one in a quieter place so the youngest member of the family isn't overwhelmed by too many people all the time.
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