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It's been several years since Ed Gehrlein passed away, yet there's still worthwhile information stashed on the travel website, Traveling with Ed and Julie. Their site is no longer updated---it can be found at:
http://web.archive.org/web/199812120...p://twenj.com/ |
Grazie Tess, I had lost that URL
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It really is the easiest thing in the world to make those reservations for Uffizi and Accademia in Florence. I just did it by phone. I did have to wait on hold for a couple minutes. I also made reservations for the Secret Itineraries tour in Venice on a separate call, which was also very easy. With my phone card, the cost of these calls is about 25 cents total.
Note that until January 2005 you can also see the Vasari Corridor (the top part of the Ponte Vecchio) if you have an Uffizi reservation for the correct time. See the instructions on this Slowtalk thread: http://slowtalk.com/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&...;r=22910039811 |
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Am glad to see this classic reappear. It should be mandatory reading for all Italy travelers. Here are some helpful planning web sites for bookings:
WEB SITES FOR TRAVEL PLANNING & ADVANCE BOOKINGS: www.autoeurope.com Best for car rentals—book by phone at 800-223-5555 www.viamichelin.com Great site for driving routes and local maps www.weatherbase.com See historical weather for any destination www.trenitalia.com For train schedules and prices—in Italy www.rail.ch Swiss rail site with schedules for most of Europe www.ticketeria.it To book most museums and other events in Italy www.weekendafirenze.com To book Florence museums and more www.scalareale.org Excellent walking tours in Rome www.selectitaly.com USA company can book museum reservations & more www.galleriaborghese.it Best place to book mandatory reservations online www.museionline.com Book museums all over Italy www.walksinsidevenice.com Customized walking tours in Venice |
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thread on Rome restaurants, good for
families and kids http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34546535 |
restaurant recommendations for towns in Tuscany
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34548086 |
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Here is an update to my budget article for 2005---what a shock !
Italy Travel Budget for 2005 Independent travel to Europe continues to become even more popular with American tourists, and it seems that Italy has become everyone's favorite destination. This phenomenon is certainly not difficult to understand for those of us who have learned to savor BELLA ITALIA. During the past seven years I have been fortunate to have planned more than 110 personalized itineraries for independent travelers to southern Europe - most of them to Italy. Understandably, one of the first questions I get from a prospective client is about the projected costs. My quick answer is the obvious one, " that depends on you and your preferred travel style". As we delve deeper it becomes clear that the style choices of would-be independents can vary widely; from youth hostel backpackers to luxury five star jet-setters. We will ignore these extremes for now and concentrate on the more mainstream middle ranges. Here are some assumptions for our hypothetical itinerary: • This is a 14-day [13 night] itinerary to Italy for a couple during the shoulder season months of April, May, Sept. and Oct. These are the best months for travel to Italy. • Flying into Milan or Venice and out of Rome, or vice versa, with the purchase of tourist class tickets, hopefully from a consolidator. The airfare is a big variable. • The 2-star budget assumes rail travel. The rental cars include all insurance and mileage, and are for a ten day rental period. Car choices are compact/manual [3-star] and mid-size/auto [4 star]. • The prices quoted assume an exchange rate of one euro=$1.33. I would add 10% to the accommodation prices if you plan to spend all of your time in the major art cities. THIS BUDGET IS STICKER SHOCK TO THOSE OF US WHO HAVE TRAVELLED OFTEN TO ITALY OVER THE PAST TWENTY YEARS. THE CULPRIT IS THE VALUE OF THE DOLLAR THAT HAS DECLINED 40% IN THE PAST THREE YEARS. I USED TO BUDGET $5000 FOR OUR TRIPS, BUT NOW $6600 FOR OUR MAY TRIP TO SICILY. Now that we have our parameters set let's go ahead and plan our budget. Remember, this is for planning purposes only and is really controlled by you. You may decide to blow the budget on Murano glass, Florentine leather, or Bellagio silk. But, I do feel this to be a realistic estimate of expenses for a typical itinerary in 2005. TRAVEL EXPENSE ITEM 2 STAR 3 STAR 4 STAR AIRFARE - 2 PEOPLE 1600 1600 1600 RAIL TICKETS - 2 PEOPLE 350 N/A N/A CAR RENTAL - ALL INCL. N/A 655 1040 * PETROL N/A 160 200 * TOLLS N/A 50 50 TOTAL TRANSPORT $1950 $2465 $2890 HOTELS & INNS - 13 NITES 1500 2400 3500 FOOD & DRINK 1050 1400 1900 TOURISM COSTS 300 300 500 GELATO & CAPPUCCINO 150 150 200 MISC. EXTRAS 150 150 200 DAILY LIVING TOTALS $3150 $4400 $6300 TOTAL TRIP COSTS: $5100 $6865 $9150 Let me emphasize that these cost projections are merely estimates and will vary widely based on seasonal variations and desired destinations. The fact is that some couples will have a great two-week adventure in Europe and spend less than $3500, while others may let an upscale tour company make the decisions for them and end up spending $10,000. |
Bob, GULP!!!! That is a big jump for sure. Guess I am not shocked though.
I am suppose to go in June. I do get a break on the hotel (have stayed there before and my friend is one of the night managers and I know the 2 men and their wives fairly well). Will not have car expense. Train ticket will be r/t to Florence, from area of Veneto. Friends feed me alot however I also will be treating them to restaurants so think food budget more or less evens out. Will sure not do shopping, which in no way would spoil my trip. Well, guess I will not make the trip as long as I planned to help keep cost down. I had more or less budgeted about $4,000.00 max. Will sit down tonight and do some real good figuring of numbers. Thank you so much for this timely post. It is very kind of you to take the time to share the cost with us. A Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. ((*)) |
Hi Love,
Keep in mind that Bob's budget was for 2 people. Your $4000 should be quite adequate. |
Oh Ira, you are right!! Good grief, as I was doing the laundry (playing catch up after the holidays) I was thinking "should I even go to Italy this year".
Yes of course you are right, Bob's budget is for two people and I will be traveling on my own. Thank you dear one! I didn't sit down and figure out cost tonight because I didn't want to see the bottom line. So tomorrow I will do that. Stupid me, :-[ I should have picked up on the fact that the budget was for two people not one. Thank you so much for your post. And I did not want to spend $4,000.00. But sure know with the low dollar that traveling to Europe is expensive. Take good care, and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. ((*)) You sure made my night a happier one. |
Enjoy your trip, Love.
((I)) |
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more suggestions on travelplanning and research
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34404808 |
for a link to a website comparing popular guidebooks and maps
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34549886 |
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getting from New York City to Pensione La Calcina in Venice
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34550125 |
thread on saints depicted in paintings, and links to information on this subject
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34550186 |
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