My husband and I are going to Europe on Aug. 30 for 26 to 28 days. We have never been to Europe and it will be about 15 to 20 years before we go back. The plan...Newark to Rome to Catania and pick up a car. Spend three nights in Taomina, leave one night open and wing it...possibly Calabria. One night on Amalfi Coast (Positano) and one night in Capri and then visit family in Cassino 1 night...to Rome for four nights then to Siena and Tuscany for the day and three nights in Florence, possible day tour to Pisa or Lucca. Then drive to Venice meet up with friends from London, spend two nights and head to Lake Como/Bellagio 1 night and then down to the Italian Riviera for one night drive to French Riviera. Take a flight from Nice to Paris, spend a night and then the train to London and spend a couple nights then back to Newark from London. I'm tired already. <BR> <BR>Any suggestions to a route plan and time schedule. What's missing and what should we skip? Our friends will be with us for at least five days. I was hoping to get to Paris and London but I'm not sure it makes sense anymore. <BR> <BR>Any advice will be much appreciated. <BR>Gabriella <BR> <BR>PS. Do have to have reservations in advance? <BR> <BR> <BR>

Your trip sounds great but you'll be doing lots of traveling, so make sure you have time to sit back and relax too. If you can make the time, spend more time in Paris because it's a wonderful city. Venice is one of my FAVORITE cities!!! I would recommend making hotel reservations in advance. August will be hot so bring light clothing.

There is not much else in Pisa besides the leaning tower, we took a city bus to the tower between train connections (it took about an hour, you could stay longer if you wanted). I don't think it is worth a day trip. You may want to stay longer in places such as Lake Como and the Italian Riviera, they are vacations from your vacation. It is wonderful to just enjoy the beauty of the area and not to have to worry about all the sights/museums you have to fit in. You may want to make some reservations ahead of time, but don't make too many. It is nice to have the flexibility to stay longer at places you really like. <BR> <BR>

<BR>You're doing an awful lot even though you've got a month or so. I agree with above, and try to allow for more time in Paris, and don't bother with Pisa. If you feel you have to see it or if it's on the way, fine but don't spend much time there. You'll have a great time, but Europe is an adventure, not a vacation, and can be overwhelming your first time, especially with so many countries in your itinerary, But you WILL have a great time, and I bet it'll be less than l5-20 years for next trip!!

It's a lot to cram into such a short time. Rome alone (if you are planning to sight see) needs 7 days to scratch the surface. <BR> I agree with the others about Pisa. Unless you have a special interest in Pisa it is only a stop off as you travel through not a full day, although the locals might have something else to say. For Rome and Venice I would definitely book ahead. Both can be expensive if you stay in the centre, so try a little on the outskirts for Rome and the back streets for Venice. All you need is somewhere to sleep, clean and feed. Also, when it comes to eateries, if you want to have real and reasonably priced food try the out of the way places. In Venice DO NOT eat at San Marco Piazza unless you're prepared to pay ridiculously. For sure have a coffee in the Piazza and take in the history just like the famous and infamous have done for centuries but even this will cost around US$5 per cup. The best feeds are in the back streets with many restaurants offering good feeds for reasonable prices. <BR> As for the other places in Italy you basically can not go wrong. <BR> I too thought that it would be a long time before I returned but, am now planning my third trip to Europe, it is just so enticing. <BR> <BR>Ciao <BR>

<BR>Thanks for the insight. We are finalizing our itinerary and looking forward to the trip of a lifetime. I'm still working on hotels. <BR>Ever here of Villa Victoria in Rome? <BR> <BR>Thanks again...G

Sounds like a great trip. Based on my experience this summer, I would add another night in Siena (or vicinity) and decrease time in Florence. Siena and the surrounding countryside was the favorite part of our trip. We found Florence to be very crowded and somewhat run-down, but that was in mid-July. I would also recommend that you not miss Paris and devote at least 2 full days. I'm not sure how important reservations are in September - we definitely needed them in July. Enjoy. <BR>

Agree on all fronts about Pisa. Another thought: you will experience a cultural overload. Moving so quickly from place to place, how will you absorb what you see? I, also, suggest a slow down. I spent a summer semester in Florence, and have been to Venice 8 times. Both cities will be jammed; forget the big galleries like Academia and Ufizzi. Go to some of the smaller places for art or you will spend 3 hours in lines and not be particularly interested in seeing paintings once you're inside. As wonderful as David is, he isn't worth spending 3 hours in line...try the Galleria del Duomo and the Carmine. Just get lost in Venice (you will anyway!) and relax. The light is wonderful as it plays with the water (and vice versa). Try to have fun, too!