Leely

Also, for Paris partying, I do know that some of my friends' bands (rock) play frequently in Paris. There is a website for music listings in Paris; I'll try to dig it up in the next few days or so. Also check whatsoninrome (? google it). Back in my grad school days I spent a really fun evening in some bar near Campo Santa Margherita in Venice, swapping stories (and other things) with Italian grad students.

adamriemer

Yes, Ive been to lonely planet and several other websites posting questions and reading about 100 x as many collecting all that I can so I can plan accordingly. I know this is not the "younger site" but my main concern is to explore historical sites and hopefully enjoy the nighlife as well.


Thanks

Adam

Fibonacci2358

Adam

Glad to see you back.

Stu Dudley is a source for a lot of Italy itineraries. [email protected] , I think, is his email and he's willing to send them to people who ask.

oobylicious

Hi Adam,

I backpacked around many of those cities last year (also in May) and will be heading back again picking up some new adventures this May.

Check out www.hostelworld.com to read other backpackers reviews of the best hostels in each city and to book online (do not just read the "ad" of the hostel; it is often misleading).

My itinerary suggestions:
1.Amsterdam--See if you can get a bed at the Flying Pig--the Downtown location. They book way in advance, but if you get there around 8am in the morn, they save beds for backpackers who arrive the day of. Hands down one of the best hostels in Europe. Hostel Meetingpoint isn't bad as a second choice (but a distant second).
2. Paris--Between myself and others, we just can't seem to find a good hostel. I stayed at Peace&Love and hated it--got kicked out of their so-called "party bar" for being too loud (say what?), dealt with a shower literally in the room where everyone in your mixed dorm can see you (not so bad if you're a nudist, but me..not so much), and some of the beds were simply mattresses on the floor...I think either Let's Go or Lonely Planet suggests Woodstock--but my friends have had negative experiences there as well. Good luck.
3.Venice--skip venice. It's expensive to stay there, and I found disappointing. If you're on a romantic trip with someone else..that's another story. My advice is to take an overnight train (oh how I love them and making "bunkbed friends&quot to Florence. Stay at Camp Michelangelo--it is AMAZING in May, very nice weather, huge outdoor bar, nice facilities, gorgeous view overlooking the city (but don't fret, it's only a 10 min walk in or you can take the bus), and they provide you with little beds in your own locked tent (plus cheaper than a hostel).
4.Cinque Terre-check out www.hostel5terre.com There aren't many hostels in the area.
5.Capri-Oh I am so jealous. Trains were on strike to Naples from Rome last year and I couldn't make it there.
6.Rome-The Yellow Hostel. Great pub crawls, overall a great hostel.

6 cities in 17 days? I think that's enough . Don't forget to account for travel time between cities. If you were to add anything else, I suggest Nice/Cannes (the film festival is going on and the French Riveria is simply amazing).

Have an awesome trip!

adamriemer

Thank you soo much for the tips. Have any of you ever stay at the bulldog hostel in Amsterdam. I could only get The flying pig for the first night and Bulldog for remaining 2 nights

oobylicious

The Bulldog is good as well. I'm assuming you've only paid a few dollars for the reservation--it's such a hassle to switch hostels, you may find that once you get to the Flying Pig if you ask for a couple more nights, you can get them. No promises--but like I said, they don't book all of their rooms online (or via phone either--I've tried!!).

Either way, congrats on being able to stay at the flying pig at all (and just to doublecheck--it is the downtown location?)

adamriemer

yes its the downtown location. As of now, I could reserve at flying pig for May 5(already reserved for me) and May 7, do you think I should just go for it and cancel bulldog? I have to call 24hours in advance to not get charged ful lamount. Im wondering when they tell you if the can take you, each morning, or upon checkin the first day???

oobylicious

Hmm. I don't want to steer you wrong. Their website www.flyingpig.nl says in it's "walk-in" section:

"When you want to make a booking for the day itself or for the next day: Call our hostels in the morning to make a reservation by Master- or Visa card or come by the hostels yourself!"

So it would seem you could book for the next night when you first arrive. Saturday nights are always tricky, but I can't imagine they wouldn't stick by their policy of keeping some beds open for "walk-ins".

To be honest, I wanted to avoid that sticky situation myself so I just booked my whole 3 nights at Hostel Meetingpoint (very much the same as the Bulldog).

oobylicious

PS. I will be in Amsterdam during the same time as you. The nights of the 4th, 5th, and 6th..then taking an overnight train on the eve of the 6th to Vienna.

I'm STOKED!

adamriemer

Thats great, if youre interested in getting together for coffee, museum, some fun,,,,, you can email me at [email protected]. Im also suppoed to meet some other male/female travlers ive met online and stayn at flying pig

oobylicious

I'll be in touch closer to Amsterdam time... I have 2 groups of friends I'm meeting up with in Amsterdam and they're still fine-tuning their itineraries. I'll let you know what our plans are, but most likely they'll only be around for 2 of the 4 days I'm there. Getting together would be fun .

laclaire

My general Amsterday warning: do not try to plan your next steps (ie hostels for the next cities, etc) while in Amsterdam. No, I am not insinuating that you are going to be out of it the whole time, but to quote a travel companion I met in Morocco "You know, we were in the A-dam for 5 days and we couldn't even get it together to make a phone call."

laclaire

BTW, I typed Amsterdam because I am so used to writing "yesterday."

suze

Adam,

I would add an extra day to both Amsterdam and Paris, staying 4 in each, and skip 1 day in Venice.

Travel between places by train or budget airlines.

Many hostels have email so you contact ahead to the next hostel to make a reservation, as you go along.

Unless you are dead set on it, I'd skip Venice because it is out of your way geographically and the most expensive place.

I'd go straight from Paris and head down to the coast of Italy.

I have no regrets in any of these places to share with you!!

Sorry can't help with hostels, as I stay in small hotels.

suze

Oh, and I'd try to stay in the same hostel (whichever) the whole time in Amsterdam. When you are only in a place 2-3 days, as you've said, I'd hate to have the bother & spend a part of one changing hostels/hotels.

adamriemer

Alright, well I was able to make reservations for all three nights at the flying pig downtown and will have to cancel my reservation at the bulldog. On Monday, the 8th of May I will take the train at 9am to Paris. I have family there and will put me up for a few nights.

I fly out of Rome on the 19th and really wish to see much of the Italian coast. I am thinking of taking a flight for only 24 euros from Paris to Milan on the 11th. From there was thinking of either spending night in milan and in morning take train to genoa to cirque terre. Then take train through pisa to naples/capri for 2nights. Would then like to spend last 3 days in Rome. Would it be better to fly into Milan v Venice if im on a tight schedule and wish to get to amalfi coast and then ROME

nancicita

Hey Adam,

I'm a grad student too, I'm going to Aix-en-Provence this summer to study abroad.

I think Amsterdam, Paris, Rome are cities that you will definitely like. Here's my opinion on each of these cities (I have been there, too):

Amsterdam - friendly people, almost everyone speaks English fluently, and people generally have a great sense of humor. And the cafes are great

Paris - may come across as overwhelming if you are there for the first time. Definitely check out the museums. And if you like shopping (well I'm a girl) then this is the place to check out the latest fashion.

Rome - ah, the architecture! I cannot say enough. Great place to be OUTDOORS in the spring and summer. And stop by the Vatican if you have time (hopefully the line won't be too long.)

Have fun, and don't let some of the Fodorites get you down. We are newbies and although we might be younger than most of the people on this board, but wen't not lazy or stupid.

oobylicious

Oh Adam...Milan instead of Florence?

Please don't skip Florence, it's amazing. It's the birthplace of the Renaissance you know--the art is amazing (The David is there too). Also lots of young people about and a great night life. I also took a daytrip from Florence that was a bike tour through the Tuscany area, stopping for a tour and wine tasting at the Machiavelli winery. Arguably one of the best days I've had in Europe..

suze

I know I said earlier, skip Venice, but if you are going to Milan anways... Venice is a mere ~3 hours away by train. Seems ashame to miss at least a peak at it. It is magical in a way no other place I have ever seen compares.