Paris and Rome and ?
 

Hello.

My best friend and I are taking our first trip to Europe November 17-28 and would like some advice.

Here's what we have in our package as of today. Roundtrip airfare (flying out of NY to CDG and returning to JFK via FCO). We have hotel reservations for 4 nights in Paris (Th-Sun)as well as a 3 day museum pass, a 3 day Metro pass Zones 1-3, dinner at the Eiffel Tower and an evening cruise along the Seine. We haven't decided what to do in the middle part yet, maybe Marseille, maybe go to Versaille before leaving the greater Paris area, Italian Riviera?. Our reservations in Rome begin on Wednesday night (11-24)until 11-28.

Does anyone have any suggestions for the following: Moped rental in Rome - should I take care of the arrangements prior to the trip? Where should we go in between Paris and Rome? Is it a good idea to get a Vatican Museum pass before we leave?

In the Fodor's Italy book it mentions that some of the sites need reservations - do you think that will still be necessary in November? What does the Vatican Museum pass cover? (I'm sure it's here somewhere and I'm overlooking it - apologies).

Well, that's all I can think of now.
Any suggestions or advice will be appreciated. Oh and please don't try to talk me out of the moped! : )

Thanks, ab

Hi ab,

>We haven't decided what to do in the middle part yet,...

Do you expect to be bored by Paris?

>Does anyone have any suggestions for the following: Moped rental in Rome..<

Do you have a death wish?

:)

There isn't a Vatican museum pass and there aren't advance ticket sales for the Vatican museum. Wait until you get to Rome to book the vespa. You might find out you aren't as brave as you think. Buy travel medical insurance if you can find a policy that will cover you riding the vespa.

I don't expect to be bored in Paris, I just thought one more stop in France or Italy might be fun.

Lunarbaby, you've been howling at the moon a little too long! Are you crazy? I am left speechless by your post. And I am the mother of teenagers so I've heard a LOT.

Let's start with Paris. There are a jillion things to do in Paris. Why do you want to leave it so fast, especially when you've never been? Stay there. It's not the kind of city that once you've done the museums, you've done it all. If you spend your first three days using your museum pass you will be INSIDE all day! How can you get a taste of beautiful Paris if you're inside (the museum pass specifies three days in a row, so yes, you will have to commit yourself for three days straight with no break). Paris is a city for strolling. Use the days after the pass expires to walk the city and explore all its goodies. There are plenty. You don't want to spend precious time hightailing to the other end of France, which is where Marseille is located. Do that another time. Save the Riviera for a summertime trip when you can actually get IN the water, not just look at it.

Now onto Rome. Google "mopeds Rome" and you'll come up with lots of hits. Write the addresses and phone numbers down, and look into it WHEN you get there. Roman traffic is unlike anything you've ever seen, and you need to see it first before you commit to driving in it. You may be full of bravado now, but later...you may change your mind. I happen to love Italian traffic, am not the least bit afraid of it, but please, Lunarbaby, check it out firsthand before you rent! The mother in me is telling you so!

The Vatican: I am not familiar with a "pass." When we went, we walked up, bought our tickets, and spent the day looking at fantastic art. That's all you need to do, too. What else were you thinking of seeing that needed reservations? The Borghese Museum, maybe? (That's definitely worth it.)

Take some time to use the search box to pick up all sorts of extra info, Lunarbaby. Fodorites love both Rome and Paris, and you'll find some of the best advice ever, right here. And please, let us know how your trip panned out!

Can't say that Ira's remarks are off the target, but you are not very clear concerning this trip of yours. First of all, how are you getting from Paris to Rome? Are you flying or going through other stops along the way? That might answer some of your questions if you're hard pressed to determine what other sites you wish to see. As for Paris, you could stay there the whole trip. But if you're looking for short day trips, Versaille is certainly magnificent enough. Once you get to Rome, you will be fine. There won't be too many crowds this time of year around the Vatican so don't worry about access. Renting a Moped while in the Eternal City, as Ira suggests however, is only for those who are seeking to end this life soon. Consider modifying your requests by what I've asked above and maybe you'll get more specific responses.

seems to me that some folks think your idea of not spending all of your time in Paris and Rome is a bit crazy.
Personally, after 3 or 4 days in a major city....I want to see some of the countryside and small towns.

I am not sure how it would be in Nov...but you could consider stopping in Chamonix and/or the Lake Como area for some beautiful scenery. Will you be driving or using trains?
Take the overnight train from Paris and wake the next morning in Chamonix and the beauty of the Alps!

I am considering everyone's suggestions and advice - Thank you! : )

We plan to get to Rome from Paris by train.

Since this is a first trip consider just staying in the Paris and Rome. On a first visit to either one you won't see a fourth of what will you want to once you're there.

Is is possible to add a day or two in Paris and Rome (best option IMO)

Alternately, if you don't think you'll be returning to Europe soon, consider a train or flight to London for the middle portion and another cheap flight from London to Rome. You'll have then maximized your limited travel opportunity by seeing all three of the "big three".

A third option would be Paris to Venice to Rome - all by train.

The other places in Europe will still be there on your second (and 3rd and 4th) European visit.

Don't know about mopeds. I personally wouldn't do it but maybe you're more qualified than I am (if you've never ridden one, practice zipping around midtown Manhatten during ruch hour for a day or two).

A Vatican museum pass is a great idea. The Vatican Museum (like the Louvre) is huge and a bit overwhelming. Much, MUCH bigger than the Met. Do some research beforehand and concentrate on those rooms that will be of most interest to you and your friend. Also, the Vatican Museum cafe is cheap and pretty good.

LOL, Ira! While reading about the mopeds in Rome i thought the same exact thing. At least Lunar didn't say Naples, IMHO that is worse.

Lunar, we did the Scavi tour at the Vatican and the Arte Vaticana tour, by Scala Reale, that was recommended by fodorites and they were both wonderful! We took the 9am scavi tour and had booked a 1pm Arte Vaticana tour. There was plenty of time between tours. Scala Reale site is www.contextrome.com and the Scavi tour is booked through the Vatican at [email protected]. If you request a booking for the scavi tour it takes awhile to hear back. You usually need alot more time before a trip to book but you may get lucky. Have a wonderful time! We loved Rome but would never dream of getting on a donorcycle, oh i mean moped. Good Luck.

Lunarbaby,
4 nights are not even close to giving you an idea of Paris. You will hate to leave when it is time.
You cannot possibly see enough in 4 days.
If you really must go out of the city for a moment, take the train and spend a morning in Versailles.
Believe me, it is not like NYC. You can be there for weeks and not see everything, you will want to make a list of the things that interest you most, work out on a map how to see them each day and get all you can out of those 4 days.
I have been to Paris many times, I still have so much to see and do.
Is dinner at the Eiffel Tower a big treat to you or something you think you should do? I ask because it is 1-expensive 2- not the greatest food (IMHO) An early evening visit would be great, lights going on over the city as you stand there and watch, then go eat in one of a gazillion good bistros or restaurants that are all over the city.
The rest I cannot help you with except to agree that insurance is a must if you take a ride on a Vespa in Italy~

(I am envious:)

Don't waste time with the train - flights are jsut as cheap and much faster - check out www.whichbudget.com

First, spend more time in Paris for sure -- I guarantee you won't regret it (I lived there for a year and still want to go back and see things I missed!)
Second, definitely fly from Paris to Rome (that's a loooong train trip).
Third, stop planning so much! You're scheduling your time in both cities so minutely that you're not going to have any time to follow your noses, which can be the best part of any trip.

Agree with everyone. Divide your time between Paris and Rome and fly between the cities. I never leave Paris without wishing I had more time. And if you like, you can always plan a day trip or two. Chartres and Versailles are two easy trips from Paris. You will probably use your Metro pass but the best thing about Paris is the walking - be sure to save plenty of time to just walk around and absorb Paris.

Being your first visit to Europe, I would strongly advise adding LONDON to your plans.

Why not cover one of the 3 most popular cities in Europe? I did and didn't regret it.

London has much to offer for its historical and cultural attractions, as well as fantastic shopping.

But despite having said this, I must also admit that any city in Europe has something different and nice to offer. So whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll make wonderful memories there. Have a blast....

Sounds like a fun trip. Slow down and enjoy it. If you are looking for a third stop along the way it is hard to beat Florence or Venice. If you fly you don't have to think in straight lines. Consider London or Amsterdam.