Need suggestions with itinerary-5 days
Feb 7th, 2002, 11:48 PM
#1
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Need suggestions with itinerary-5 days
This is our first time to Italy. We arrive in Venice the afternoon of May 3rd after a cruise. We will have 5 days before we leave from Florence on May 9th. Suggestions as how to split the days? Would 1 1/2 days in Venice be enough then, 4 days in Florence? We were planning on taking the train from Venice to Florence. How would the driving be?We looked into leasing a car and it looks to be about $100 per day because of mandatory insurance! <BR><BR>I would love any suggestions as to seeing any other great towns. Is it driving distance from Florence to say Siena, where we could go for a day trip? Or there trains/excursions that would do this? <BR><BR>Since we have spent so much on the cruise, we are trying to not spend a fortune.... Thinking of Hotel Mario, Hotel Balestri and Morandi alla Crocetta in Florence. Any comments on these (last is more expensive-is it worth it?) <BR><BR>Venice seems to be quite expensive-especially we would be there maybe Sat/Sun. Any suggestions? I was looking at Palazzo Duodo (a 4* B&B)which is 100 meters From St. Marks square. Is this good location? Rums around $185/night. Anyone heard of it? <BR><BR>Any help would be greatly appreciated-we are trying to arrange for hotels and need to book soon. <BR><BR> <BR><BR><BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>
Feb 8th, 2002, 03:50 AM
#2
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I am a strong advocate of renting a car, but your timeframe and intended destinations make this a poor match for the benefits of havning a rented car.<BR><BR>The train from Venice to Florence is fast, pleasant and very affordable.<BR><BR>Venice, its hotels and their prices continue to be a sadder story every year - - especially the prices. Try www.venere.com for some alternatives. they show 98 hotels available for the dates you're seeking, and fewer than ten are at or below the price you quoted. Hal of those on Lido (which you don't want) and I think only of the others with an elevator (if that's important to you). For reasons of maintaining historic authenticity, there are many decent hotels in Venice that have NOT been able to put in an elevator.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>
Feb 8th, 2002, 06:16 AM
#3
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Hi Ginny, <BR>I think that if you are only going to be there for five days that you are splitting your time right. You don't need more than 1 and 1/2 days in Venice. The train is very easy to take from Venice to Florence and if you take the eurorail it is fast and clean. You will definitely have time to take a day or afternoon trip from Florence. You could take a bus to Sienna and spend the day there. There are tours that go to small Tuscan towns such as San Gimignano and Lucca. If you are into wine, there are tours of chianti and the countryside. Since you are going to be in Florence for a few days, I would also recommend going to Fiesole for lunch one day. It is a quick bus or cab ride, right outside of Florence and it has an unbelievable view of the city. <BR>Hope that helped some!
Feb 8th, 2002, 03:50 PM
#5
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I am a strong advocate of renting a car, but your timeframe and intended destinations make this a poor match for the benefits of havning a rented car.<BR><BR>The train from Venice to Florence is fast, pleasant and very affordable.<BR><BR>Venice, its hotels and their prices continue to be a sadder story every year - - especially the prices. Try www.venere.com for some alternatives. they show 98 hotels available for the dates you're seeking, and fewer than ten are at or below the price you quoted. Hal of those on Lido (which you don't want) and I think only of the others with an elevator (if that's important to you). For reasons of maintaining historic authenticity, there are many decent hotels in Venice that have NOT been able to put in an elevator.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>
