Hi! Just back from these places plus Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Paris. Have lots of info regarding hotels, sightseeing, etc. Happy to answer your questions.

I'm planing a trip to Rome, Florence, Venice in november 2001. Please any advice for good shopping (cheap and good)like clothes, (dress shirts, leather portfolios(maletines) ,shoes tec. Please include <BR>average prices <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance

Hi Gina <BR> <BR>Why don't you post your information so all of us who love to travel can read it? <BR> <BR>Thanks!

I tried to post a description of my vacation but it would not work. Probably too long. So, I figured I'd wait to answer specific questions. As far as shopping goes, I did a lot of searching for cuckoo clocks in Germany and pottery in Orvieto. The cuckoo clock I decided on was about $125. The pottery in Orvieto was all very reasonable but I didn't find anything I really wanted to hassle with bringing home. The San Lorenzo Market in Florence seemed fabulous but it was pouring rain the one day I had there. Oberammergau is a very beautiful town and its carvings are gorgeous. Mostly religious and very expensive. Oberammergau is a very worthwhile place to visit and I would imagine it's extra nice on a non Passion Play year.

My husband, 17 yr. old son, and I are planning a two week trip to Italy in March, 2001. Including Rome, Florence, and Venice. What is best way to get between cities? How is driving in those cities? We are also considering an apt. in Rome for a week and then just a couple of days in the other two cities. Any ideas

We were able to use the trains with no problems at all. My parents rented a car during the same time and used Cortona as their home base to get around. Italian trains are just as reliable and punctual as any other. The one exception to the trains was when an employee of Mario's hotel in Florence drove us from Florence to San Gimignano. From San Gimignano we took a bus via Poggibonsi to Siena. Again, easy, no problems.

Jamie, <BR> Did the Rome, Florence, Venice trip last spring and am heading back again. Suggestions for good hotels that are a good value in the fall-Hotel Julia in rome, Hotel Casci in florence, and Hotel San Marco in Venice (All around $60-95)a night in the off season. For good value on leather products-stop at the San Lorenzo market in florence. You have to do a bit of comparison shopping, but lots to choose from. (Prices on leather purses,briefcases, and jackets range from 25-200 dollars-Basically you can find beautiful things to fit any budget. Plus make a stop in the Farmers market, in the building behind the San Lorenzo market-it is a perfect place to load up on a wonderful picnic lunch at a bargain. <BR> As far as transportation, grab a Italy pass and take the train. 2nd class on the hight speed trains is wonderful. Did the R-F-V trip over a week on Eurostar Italia for less than $100.00. Then just walk all over the cities, it is the best way to stumble across great restuarants and get a true feel for the cities-besides no driving in Venice or the best parts of florence

Did you stay at or have any info on good agroturismos (or other inexpensive lodging) in Tuscany? <BR>Thanks, <BR>I'm going in 2 weeks for awhile.

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