All,

First time poster, who has never been overseas.

Taking the family (me, wife, mother in law, 2 kids - ages 1 and 3). We would like to do 3 weeks in France/Italy.

With all the choices out there, I was hoping to find some assistance. Can anyone recommend a Travel Concierge that would be familiar with travelling in France/Italy? Not necessarily for loding, I am more concerned with getting from here to there (air, train, car).

In loose terms, we were looking at 4 nights in Paris, a week in Provence, 10 days in Italy. We were figuring to take the TGV from Paris to Avignon, rent a car since we would be in the country. Not sure best way to get to Italy is since we have the kids. I am not sure if its best to drive, fly or normal train it. In Italy, we were looking at some time in Rome and Florence.

Any help is appreciated.

Have you checked out Trafalgars?

Based on testimonials by people I know, first time travel in Europe is best done, and less daunting, through air/hotel/sightseeing packages offered by Traflgars, Globus, Insight, etc. These would also seem to make it easier for such a large group such as yours.

I am not sure we would want to do a tour, per se. But, if they could help on the air, travel ends that would be great.

But, to answer your question, no I have not checked them out.

Will go googling!

Visit slowtrav.com and you will find a number of agents specializing in France and Italy, along with experienced travelers who can offer suggestions.

I've often seen www.untours.com recommended here if you want some help but not a full organized tour package.

One twist you might not have considered is to go straight to Avignon, upon arrival (you can take the TGV directly from CDG without going into Paris). It's a comfortable 2.5 hrs (driving would be twice as long), and just the right length nap to replenish you after (presumably) your trans-Atlantic flight.

Rent the car after you've been in Avignon for 24 hours or more, and use it to ultimately wander your wy back to Paris.

All you need - - for advice on getting between France (well, particularly Paris) and Italy - - is www.whichbudget.com and that, in turn will refer you to www.volareweb.com (unless new airlines spring up between now and your planned travel dates - - and if so, whichbudget.com will keep you up on top of that).

Much faster, cheaper and less hassle to fly than to travel by car or train.

I would personally recommend the use of a car to get between Rome and Florence so that you can see some of Italy OFF the beaten paths. But if you really are "all-city" type folks, then, the train can not be beat. Only 95 minutes beteen the two. Buy your tickets when you get there.

As an alternative, you coud of course, take train service from the south of France to Milan, Florence, or Venice.

Your time frame allows for three or four destinations in Italy. You need lots and lots of books to help make the tough decisions on what to include - - and not - - on this trip.

"We" (the regulars and newbies of this forum) ARE your best available "travel concierge" for thse kinds of questions.

Welcome to Travel Talk.

Best wishes,

Rex Bickers
Floyds Knobs, Indiana

Holy Cow! So much for recommending flights on Volare!

See http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34541997

Geez!

Hi casey,

Except for recommending Volare, Rex has very good advice.

When are you going?

Is a Travel Concierge a Travel Agent?

Sorry, should have included dates.

We are looking at June 2005.

To those who have already responded: Thanks! Have a ton of places to look at.

Rex,

One thought we had was to stay the week in Provence, then drive down to Rome (maybe thru Genoa, stay on coast to Pisa or maybe Portofino, then Florence and Rome). Sounds like this might be more of what you were recommending.

Is driving in Italy ok? I am guessing that except in the large cities, it not bad.

Another question....with the kids...should we be trying to find family/quad rooms or are they tough to find, which would mean 2 hotel rooms. Or would you recommend staying in a villa centrally located and driving back and forth.

One problem with that is the high cost of returning a French car in Italy. Or the need to retrn to France to return it.

One workaround is to turn in your French car at Nice, and take the one-hour train ride (brief change in Ventimiglia) to San Remo. You can rent an Italian car there. If you find you want/need an overnight there, I can recommend the Nyala Suites Hotel. Nice pool for the kids. Good view of the Mediterranean Sea for the adults. Ask for a corner room with the oversized balcony.

Driving in Italy is a blood sport. It took me a little getting used to, and thankfully I adapted. But take a good look at what it's like before you take the plunge. I use public transport everywhere when I go to Europe. It's just about 15% of the hassle of driving.

You will need the car in Provence, but not in Italy. Trains are relatively cheap there. And there are very strict rules against driving in Florence now.

I prefer the Italian Riviera to Pisa. But maybe stay in Santa Margherita Ligure instead of Portofino, because SML is on the train line and Portofino is not--but a short bus ride from SML. You can make excursions to Genoa and the Cinque Terre. Be sure to save plenty of time for Rome.