Italian Package Help
 

I'm going to Italy (I think) in the middle of March for 10 days. Any suggestions as to who has a good package deal? My daughter suggested Virgin Air but its reviews looked a little sketchy. How about Air France? Or some other air line. Help.

Where in Italy do you want to go? You might be able to do it cheaper if you book everything separately yourself.

Rome, Florence and Venice.

Some friends of mine recently booked their trip (Rome/Florence/Venice) through Costco and had no complaints. I found it was more cost effective to book things on my own.

For a simple trip as you're contemplating, I'd just book everything yourself. You'll end up in more interesting or at least better located hotels, and you can travel at your own pace.

You should look for flight options that have you landing in Venice and departing from Rome (or the reverse). Once you've figured out your air fare, come back and tell us your hotel budget. You'll get lots of recommendations in whatever is your budget range.

Your two train rides will cost between approximately 65 euros and 120 euros depending on the train and class of service.

That's 65 euros to 120 euros TOTAL.

Some packages look very cost effective until you investigate where the hotels are located--often far from the center of action, wasting precious vacation time on commuting. There are usually options to pay more for a better level ofaccommodations, but by the time you pay for the next level up, the "deal" may not be such a good deal. Check hotel locations carefully.