Kirboid

I will be going to Germany to pick up a new car in Munich (arrival and departure city). We (2 adults, 2 teens) plan to tour Bavaria and Northern Italy. Should I include Rome (Whirlwind tour!) as follows or spend more time in Venice and Florence?
Day - Overnite Location
1 - Munich
2 - Venice
3 - Venice
4 - Rome
5 - Rome
6 - Florence
7 - Innsbruck or South Bavaria (castle area)
8 - Munich

If I go to Rome, I'm not overly excited about driving a new car in the city itself. Any suggestions on parking or staying outside of Rome and using mass transit?

Patrick

To be honest, if I were picking up a new car in Munich and needed to be back there to fly home a week later, I'd stick just to the Bavaria area, and maybe venture down to Innsbruck or better yet, Halstatt in Austria. Venice is a stretch, but doable if you were for some reason interested in putting some miles on the car, then parking for a couple of days. I wouldn't even think about Florence and Rome.

KathyNZ

It's really a case of whether you are more interested in german or italian culture. You really need to leave out Rome, you are attempting too much, if you include Florence you have also many places in Tuscany available to you, e.g Siena and Lucca for starters. If you go to Innsbruck you have much to see in the old town alone besides all the picturesque ski villages such as Hall in Tirol, Igls, Mutters and Natters. They alone are worth just going to Austria for. Best to concentrate on the north and leave Rome and further south for another trip. you also only mention large cities, if it's only those you are interested in the trains have many options and timetables of getting to them, why bother with a car? For example it won't be much good to you in Venice, will it?

RufusTFirefly

I agree that Rome is just too far to go with your time limitations. There would be plenty to see in southern Germany alone. Venice only if you must (and I do love Venice), but I wouldn't go further south than that.

Isobel

Bavaria is beautiful but I wouldnt worry too much about Innsbruck. I was disappointed but there again everyone is different.
As regards Venice - out of this world - nothing quite like it. Florence is great and so is Rome.
Isobel

elaine

I agree that with Rome you are going way too far south, especially for only two days there or less.
If you want Italy, I'd stick to the north: Venice, perhaps Verona, the Lakes. Or Florence if you feel strongly. But allow at least two days in these places, otherwise it's too much traveling and packing and unpacking for a anet 36 hours in a place.

LJ

I agree with previous posters about Rome being too much.

I would add that if you intend to add Florence (and I would in your shoes or, more accurately, in your new wheels), I would be inclined to stay right outside, maybe in Fiesole, travel by the very convenient and inexpensive bus and keep the new car shiney and your mind at ease.

pasquale

Unless you want a driving only vacation definitely leave out Rome, especially with 2 teenagers who won't want to be couped up in a car very long. Bavaria is wonderful and the kids would love Neuschwanstein. There's a marvelous guest house only five miles away in a suburban town of Plach in Austria. Very large, very immaculate, new redecorated rooms which include breakfast. We paid only a little more than $50 USD three years ago. If you're interested, I'll look up the name and address. The second day we were there, the family set up on a table in the room (while we were gone) wine glasses, silverware, napkins, and a large basket filled with all kinds of fruit including a half a watermelon. It was delightful. There are at least 3 castles in the area and beautiful scenery enroute.

Kirboid

Thanks for all the replies. I have decided to drop Rome and focus on Venice/Florence and Bavaria. My wife & I have been to Bavaria, but we want to take the kids to the castles, since they are 'on the way' to Italy.

The primary purpose of the trip is to pick up a new BMW under their European delivery program. Buy the car at 7% off list, drive it in Europe & THEY cover insurance! Then the car will be shipped to the USA about 6 weeks after we leave Munich.

What about parking 'in' Venice? I know it will be an issue - can I expect to find a somewhat secure lot on the mainland or in Venice to park for 2 or 3 days?

I am trying to make a final decision on Florence lodging. Several hotels/villas have free, secure parking at locations outside of Florence, but I hear that there is a certain charm to staying in Florence. Choices, Choices........

Kirboid

Pasquale:
I am interested in the name of that B&B. My wife & I stayed in a B&B near Garmisch about 7 years ago, but I can't find the name of it. We had a wonderful experience, and would like to find something similar in that area. Our experience was that many of the Bavarian folk are friendly, wonderful people!

RufusTFirefly

If you want to save some money, park on the mainland. For example, it would cost between 7 and 11 euros a day to park at Marco Polo Airport depending on which lot you park in. The last time I checked the Tronchetto it was around 18 euros a day

RufusTFirefly

Cut myself off, there. Sorry. Piazzale Roma is around 23 euros a day at the private facility, and it used to be about half that at the public one--but it's tough to get in there if you're going at high season. Note that some hotels will cover part of your parking cost at P. Roma or the Tronchetto facility. You can also park at the Mestre train station for 4 or 5 euros a day. Check to see if these prices are up to date, but they should give you an idea of the range. Theft can be a problem anywhere.

bobthenavigator

I would not take the beemer anywhere near Florence. Stay in Fiesole. As for Venice, I would park in Mestre and bus into Venice--the Piazzale Roma is too expensive.

rhall1

Is it really less expensive to buy BMW in Germany? Don't you still pay customs and import taxes? Am American, moving home soon. I'd love to take a mini home with me. Can you share your secret?