I think I covered all these cities pretty intensively.If anyone has any questions about restaurants, hotels, neighborhoods,transportation, etc I'd be happy to help!

AFter spending a week traveling around The Netherlands in July, I'm sailing through Scandinavia and the Baltic. I can't seem to find the location of the ship's pier or port on any map of Amsterdam. Can you provide any information? <BR>Thanks!

My mother is going to Rome in July for two weeks. I heard the construction is pretty bad right now. Should she be planning instead to visit alternate cities in Italy instead of concentrating on Rome alone for two weeks.

Forget about all the horror stories you hear about the construction! I just got back and, YES there is scafolding but there is so much more to Rome that the scafolding is minimal. The ony scafolding I remember was on a small portion of the Colloseum (most of it is still visible) and the entire facade of St Peters is covered. This may seem tragic, but once you get inside and see all the grandeur and extravgance, you will forget the scaffolding on the outside. Other than that you will enjoy wonderful food,great shopping, memorible Piazzas and all the glory that is ROMA! <BR> <BR>Also... see my other posts "ALL ABOUT ROME" and "MY FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN ROME" for more info!

Is there such a thing as a nice but inexpensive hotel in Amsterdam? Thanks, Tom

I think Amsterdam has the best assortment of cheap hotels in europe! <BR> <BR>I stayed at two hotels in Amsterdam-- <BR> <BR>THE AMERICAN HOTEL at the Leidseplein for $188 a night which I found impersonal and worn. The room were large and bathrooms modern. <BR> <BR>THE WESTROPA on the Nassaukade was substantially less at $75 a night (for a single) and I liked it much better. The rooms are compact and have just enough space to walk to the bathroom but it had air conditioning and a good modern bathroom. The staff here was also very kind and friendly. There is major construction being done in frot of the hotel so ask for a room which is not on the Nassaukade. The hotel is modern, not really quaint but it is cozy and they have a good dutch breakfast buffet. http://www.westropa.demon.nl/ <BR> <BR>Here are a few others I know are decent choices at good prices-- <BR> <BR>THE OWL HOTEL on a quiet street within walking distance from the Leidseplein. http://www.owl-hotel.demon.nl/index.html <BR> <BR>THE MAAS HOTEL on the Leidsekade near the Leidseplein. http://www.hotelmaas.nl/ <BR> <BR>THE CANAL HOUSE this is a real atmospheric hotel in Canal House. http://www.canalhouse.nl/

Please share information on Venice. <BR>My husband and I have decided to lenghten our stay in Europe by about <BR>seven days. Rather than flying home' <BR>from Paris we would like to go to <BR>Italy, Venice, Rome, Florence and also to Amsterdam. Is this possible? We <BR>are open to any means of transportation. Also how long should <BR>we allow for what cities. Any information would be greatly appreciated. And do we need to make <BR>firm hotel reservations everywhere. We had planned to just wing it. <BR>Thanks so much

I recommend 3 days in Amsterdam, 2 days in Venice and at least 5 days in Rome. I haven't been to Florence yet. <BR> <BR>--If you want to get the full Italian Experience I would divide my time between Florence and Rome, skip Venice. Venice is a beautiful city but it is very 'touristy' and expensive. You will get a better Italian bang for your lire in Rome and Florence. <BR> <BR>-- If you want a multi cultural experience,do Rome and Amsterdam. Amsterdam is a small city and can be seen in 3 days. You can do Florence instead of Rome, I haven't been there but they say it is amazing. I like Rome because it is a big bustling city full of life, friendly people and great Italian food. <BR> <BR>Did you see my post ALL ABOUT ROME?? It has some more info about Rome. <BR> <BR>If you want anymore info. Please Email me!

See - I guess that's what makes the world go round! I love both Rome and Florence and have been there many times. But for me, Venice is incomparable. It always feels like "Disneyworld for adults" for me - I can't get enough of it. To be in a place without cars, where the only sounds (on the streets away from San Marco) are those of the water lapping and footsteps; where you can walk from one end to the other and feel totally lost (but you really can't be lost because there's no where else to go)! with the music of gondoleers around every corner and the glory that was once Venice tempered with the effects of the sea over time... for me, it's magic... <BR> <BR>Rome and Florence are really wonderful - but I become poetic when I think of, feel, Venice...

I agree with Dona. Florence is a must for any art lover, and Rome is full of antiquities, churches, and historic sites. However, Venice is magical. You will be awed and impressed when you first get a glimpse of Venice seemingly floating on the water as you arrive on the vaporetto. The beauty and uniqueness of Venice is due to it's complete reliance on water based transportation, the beautiful historic public buildings, and palazzos. I never got tired of riding the water bus up and down the Grand canal just seeing Venetian life go by. <BR>

Richard, my husband and I are visiting Venice in October and would appreciate your personal recommendations for a couple of hotels. We'd prefer something on a canal in a quiet yet convenient location. Thanks for your help.

Headed to Venice, Florence and Rome next week wondering some good places to eat.

can anyone suggest the best way to get from florence to Amsterdam for a 3 day weekend?

Barbara
Hope you don't mind me replying to your question!
We have just returned from a few days in Venice and once again the city has enthralled me. I live in England, have travelled all over Europe (and beyond) and yet Venice remains my most favourite place.
We stayed in bed and breakfast accommodation at Locanda Ca'del Console - a search will bring up details. We loved it - hundreds of years old, quiet, a few minutes walk from the major sites but in a tiny, narrow lane. Our room was like a barn with it's high ceiling, full of antiques, a chaise longue, billowing white net curtains at the windows etc - but with the most modern bathroom I have ever seen. I didn't want to stay in a modern 'box' and this was everything I wanted! Very reasonably priced too.
M

Morgana, I imagine Barbara is back by now. Her trip was in 1999.

Good point, lol. But maybe someone else might find the info useful.
Serves me right for half looking at Fodors when I should be working!
M

EPC: there are direct flights Florence - Amsterdam on Meridiana.
http://www.meridiana.it/english/

Hi,
Venice &amp; Florence both have cards to buy that let you into the museums &amp; churches for a discount or a flat fee. Are they a good deal? Also can you use them &amp; still get a reservation so you don't have to wait in line - at the Ufizzi for example&gt;
Thanks

Hi
I can help you with the Venice card question regarding entry to churches! There is a card you can buy that gives you access to 15 particular churches in Venice - called a Chorus card I believe. You can buy the card at any of these churches (at the ticket box) but they tend to be manned only from 10am (before this you can get in free but there might well be services going on). You get a map showing the location of all the Chorus churches. With this ticket you also get an information sheet regarding the church which you hand back to the box office. If you plan to visit more than 3 churches you will start saving money. Don't miss Chiesa de Frari!
I know that if you plan to visit several museums the orange Venice card is a good buy (www.venicecard.com).We only had time to visit the Guggenheim (great cafe and don't miss the view of the Grand Canal from the terrace). No queue to get in.
The water bus tickets are also good value if you buy the 24 hour pass rather than pay for each individual journey - there's so much walking to do it is great just to hop on the water bus and have a breather! It will also take you over to Murano and the Lido.
M

Thanks Morgana but the thrust of my question had to do with the use of these cards coupled with the option of calling ahead &amp; making a reservation to avoid waiting in line. Do you have to buy individual tickets to use the reservation option or is it available with the cards? I think this applies more to Florence than Venice.