Hi Everyone - I recently stumbled upon this site and it looks like there is a lot of good information. My husband and I are planning on taking a trip to Europe next fall for two weeks and two days (the two days are for flying there and back). My husband really wants to travel around the Mediterranean and the surrounding areas. We were thinking Barcelona, Avignon, Cinque Terra, Florence, maybe Venice. Do you guys think that this is realistic, and if so, how many days would you spend in each location. Also, any other suggestions of places to check out?

If you really want to be realistic, I think you need a map. Venice is not on the Mediterranean, and Florence is quite inland.

What is your goal? A Mediterranean blitz? That's quite do-able, but if you want to hit Barcelona, the Cinque Terre, and Avignon (also not on the Mediterranean) in one fell swoop, maybe a cruise is what you want.

I'd start with a map. It seems you don't have a clear idea of where everything you're thinking of visiting is located. So it's very hard to point you toward what might be do-able in a two-week period.

Maps, you gotta love ém.....

Fodor sent a newsemail to me this past week. One section was about the good and the bad destinations. Marseille listed as one of the good destination but not many people to visit this city. It's a good Mediterranean city and people shouldn't miss during a trip in that area.

Blackduff

ttt

If what you really want is a large swoop around (a portion) of the Med. then a crusie is probably a good idea. However that would not be MY first choice unless you have already spent time on land based trips. You just can't get the feel of being IN Europe if you are only disembarking for day trips IMO. I suggest you narrow down your focus and pick one or two main destinations then add a few days on in between stops. Like travel from Barcelona to Nice stopping along the way in Avingnon. OR Venice to Nice, maybe staying in the Cinque Terra for a few days in between. Even with these less ambitious itineraries you will still be covering alot of ground.

Hi B,

>... how many days would you spend in each location.<

You have 14 days for 5 destinations.

You will lose about 1/2 day traveling between destinations - that's 2 days lost.

You have about 2 days each.

>Do you guys think that this is realistic,...<

No.

I think that 4 destinatons is good for that time. But, if you plan to drive that means a big drop charge. Think Provence, Cote d' Azur, Cinque Terre and start and and in Nice. If you plan to train then end in Florence to fly home.

Thanks for all of the help everyone. I actually am aware that a couple of the sites I mentioned are not on the Mediterranean, that's why I said surrounding areas. I'm just trying to get a feel of if I do hit a couple of spots on the Mediterranean, what other areas may sense to visit and which cities are worthwhile. Any suggestions would be great. My cities aren't set in stone yet and I'd like to hear from those of you who have traveled to the region, what you liked, where you would go again, what you could have missed. Thanks!

If you are going to stay in the Cinque Terre, make sure not to go in July and August. There is just too much tourism traffic there right now. I would also not advise going to Florence - see Fodor's list of most over-rated places. I would be inclined to head south to the coast of Maratea, Capri or Sardegna, but if you are going to visit the Cinque Terre, I would really visit the Hotel Marina. We recently stayed there and did a motor-cycle tour. You can check out the hotel marina, here:http://www.italianvisits.com/tours/l...tel_marina.htm

There seems to be some good informtion about the Cinque Terre there as well. But, as far as I can tell you - once in the park and in that part of Italy, do not miss out on Portofino, Sestri Levante (I think it is called) and the other resort towns. Genoa - wasn't a favourite by any means.

So, Bunny, are you driving?

Bob - Thank you so much for the info! I like your suggestion and am definitely going to look into it. We're planning on taking the train. I think that would be the best way, what do you think? Also, do you think it would be best to fly in and out of the same location?

Look at the train schedule at http://bahn.hafas.de/bin/query.exe/en for train times. I think you need to cut down your stops. Also usually it's more efficient -- and not much more expensive -- to fly into one city and fly out of another. But that depends on your itinerary. There are international airports in Barcelona, Toulouse, Nice, Milan, Pisa and Venice. Plus connecting flights from other locations like Genoa.

Assuming 4 destinations---an average of 3 nites each---I would forget Barcelona and fly into Nice and home from either Pisa or Florence. That will keep you busy. Use Florence to day trip to Siena as well. Look at www.menton.com as your Cote d'Azur location. Good luck !

I would strongly agree with Bob - there are so many wonderful towns you can easily visit out of Nice by train (Monaco, Cannes,Antibbes, Paul de Vence(by bus))and the area is spectacular.

It will take the better part of one late afternoon to go to and from Cinque Terre, but once there, Florence, Lucca, Portofino, Pisa (we love near-by Rapallo as a base) and all of Tuscany is easily accesible.

I would recommend even considering arriving in Florence - one of the easiest airports ever to arrive in and depart from - pre-book the main sights for 1-2 days (see Ira's list of phone numbers on this site for Uffizi, Accadadamia, Barghello etc.), rent a car for 3-4 days in Tuscany, head to Italian Riviera for Cinue Terre et. al. and do 4-5 days in Nice, before training back to Florence.

By the way, we stayed in the following hotels, all of which we were able to book on on-line sites at reduced rates - I love using Venere, Trip Advisor, and Google - and would highly recommend each:

Florence - San Gallo(4*, a bit out of the center) or Caravaggio(3*)

Tuscany - La Boscarecce (near Centraldo)

Rapallo - Grand Bristol (4*)

Cannes - Grand Croisette (4*)

Also, if you decide to use a car in Tuscany etc., look into Autoeurope.

ENJOY!