Don't miss the Baptistry in Pisa, its beside the Cathedral and Tower. Long time since I was there and it is relatively unvisited but worth it

kybourbon - I am from KY, love your name...and bourbon, ha.

Sounds like a smart idea to do Lucca first, lunch in Lucca, wonderful.

Just going to see, not climb tower in Pisa and do want to see the tower and bapistry but that was all we had planned for Pisa. And any "happy accidents" along the way...

Thanks again to all,

D.

The reason I suggest Lucca before lunch is because many things close for the afternoon in Lucca. I would do it on your Monday in Florence as many of the Florence museums are closed on Monday. If it's hot, it might be better to take the bus which will have AC. The local r trains to Lucca probably won't.

kybourbon - great to know. thank you.

Another question...

Can we do Lucca, Pisa and Siena all in one day trip?

Lucca early a.m. and lunch, Pisa -the tower, baptistry and cathedral sights which won't take time at all, then to Siena for late afternoon/early night - back to FLorence late, if need be. Maybe see Siena at night????

D.

That would be a hectic day. It takes longer to get to Siena from Pisa than from Florence. The last train or bus back to Florence from Siena won't be much later than 9pm.

Okay, so I have another thought... what about Fiesole?

We want something "tuscany" looking.... to stroll around, see hillsides, flowers, sip wine and take in ITALY.

We have sight-seeing and attractions planned, we want somewhere to stroll, shop...chill...

D.

Fiesole is on a hill overlooking Florence and is accessble via the local Florence city bus system. You can decide to go there any day the weather looks good and just catch the next bus. Since it's so easy to reach (#7 bus from the train station) you can go for an hour or two to stroll or sit in a cafe.

Ahhhhh, perfect. Awesome. Another question....money exchange..do we do before we leave or wait until in Italy.

You will want to use your ATM card at bank cash machines to get Euros. It is the least expensive and easiest method. About 5 days prior to your trip, make sure you notify your bank of your trip so that you can use your card in Italy.

For accessing cash in Italy, usually your best bet is an ATM card linked to your checking account at home. It should have access to the major networks like STAR, Cirrus etc. If it is a VISA logoed card you should not have a problem.

There are ATM machinces everywhere in Italy, called Bancomats.

Remember to alert your bank and your credit card companies of the dates you will be overseas so that they do not lock your cards as possible fraudulent use when they see the foreign transactions.

YOu may also want to check on the daily withdrawal limit associated with your ATM card and have the bank raise it while you are overseas. things are more expensive and with the exchange rate 100 euros will be about 150USD.

you might also want to check with the bank about any fees added for foreign transactions.

Many folks like to land with at least 50 or 100 euros in their possession in case of problems, your call. You could pick up a bit at your departure airport (higher fees usually).

With regard to transportation-

Depending on your hotel locations, you will probably want to take a taxi from the train station to your hotel. Make sure you use the taxis at the official taxi stand. Do not use a taxi offered by someone who just walks up to you with their offer of service.

You can have your hotel arrange for your taxi in Rome to take you to the airport on your departure day. Ask them to do so the day before.

There are a few transportation methods to get from the Venice airport to hotels. If you post your hotel link we can advise.

Wow, this is all great info. Thank you, thank you.

I will get some euro's before we leave and the rest ATM. I already called bank re: trip for card usage, thanks for the info though.

Hotels: Venice Hotel Bernardi
Florence Hotel Ariston Firenze
Rome San Miniato Bed and Breakfast

Actually, your Venice hotel has some good directions on their website to get you to your hotel. And, you will be staying near 2 of my favorite places for pizza in Venice- Casa Mia and La Perla. Have your hotel give you directions to them.

The thing I will add is that you can take the inexpensive (3 euro) express bus (leaves from right outside the airport terminal doors) to Piazzale Roma and then from there the #1 vaporetto to the Ca’d’Oro stop. The bus ride take no more than 20 minutes and the vaporetto (which leaves from right there at the Piazzale Roma) takes 15 minutes. This would probably be the least expensive way to arrive.

You can also take the ALILAGUNA launch (13 euro) to Fondamente Nuove stop (40 minutes) then 8 to 10 minutes on foot. This would include a walk from the terminal to the boat dock (~10 minutes).

Here is a link with more information-

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/venice...sportation.htm


You will need a taxi to get from the train station to your hotel in Florence.

Yikes! I don't think you will enjoy the location of your Rome B&B. It doesn't seem to be very centrally located. Is there a reason you chose this hotel and location?

Here is some great info on Italy trains-

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/trains/index.htm

In Venice you will not be very far from one of our favorite restaurants. Vini da Gigio, try them for lunch or dinner.

http://www.vinidagigio.com/index_eng.html

If you like movies, Pane e Tulipani (Bread and Tulips) is a wonderful film about an italian woman's adventure in Venice. Makes a good whetting of the appetite for Venice. Should be available on DVD for rental.

Oh, yes notbob, I agree on Pane e Tulipani. A wonderful movie!

Zoecat, Poop, I just picked all hotels via internet/price. Where else would you recommend in Rome, prob a million places, huh. This place is only €70 a night, prob get what you pay for. Give me some centrally located "cheap" places. I want safety, but no luxuries needed. Just a place to shower and sleep, basically.

I will rent movie, thank you notbob.

D.

D.

Your Rome hotel is too far out. If you don't mind a convent (midnight curfew/private bath), there are quite a few in the historic center for close to that price. You might try Santa Sofia, Il Rosario (both within a couple of minutes walk of the forum) or Fraterna Domus which is by Piazza Navona(11 pm curfew).

D,

I usually stay in an apartment, but I know that this B&B gets good reviews and is well located-

http://www.nicolasinn.com/en

Search through the reviews in the Colosseo, Navona, Pantheon, Piazza di Spagna, and Trevi areas on this link (you should be able to find something)-

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/hotels/list.asp?r=Rome

You could also do a search on this forum for "inexpensive Rome hotels".

Or, start a new thread with the question.

Thank you. Will do more research.