Please help! Late honeymoon with my pregnant wife in Italy
Sep 27th, 2011, 02:17 PM
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Please help! Late honeymoon with my pregnant wife in Italy
Hi everyone.
We decided to fly to italy this weekend, at the middle of our pregnancy, since we feel we wont be able to have another vacation soon, and treat it as our honeymoon.
We will arrive Milan at the night of the 29 of september. We don't have to stay there but would like to see and be in: Lake Como/ Lake Grada (or both, it's hard to decide), Venice for 2 nights, Tuscany, Florance (a day trip would be nice), and thinking on Cinque Terra. The problem is that our flight is leaving from Rome at the evenning of the 10th of October, so we thought we might see some of rome .
PLEASE help me plan a romantic gateaway with budget and our situation on mind. We are renting a car from Milan airport.
Thanks!!
Leo
We decided to fly to italy this weekend, at the middle of our pregnancy, since we feel we wont be able to have another vacation soon, and treat it as our honeymoon.
We will arrive Milan at the night of the 29 of september. We don't have to stay there but would like to see and be in: Lake Como/ Lake Grada (or both, it's hard to decide), Venice for 2 nights, Tuscany, Florance (a day trip would be nice), and thinking on Cinque Terra. The problem is that our flight is leaving from Rome at the evenning of the 10th of October, so we thought we might see some of rome .
PLEASE help me plan a romantic gateaway with budget and our situation on mind. We are renting a car from Milan airport.
Thanks!!
Leo
Sep 27th, 2011, 05:07 PM
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You have a total of 10 day on the ground (you can;t count the day you arrive or leave) and a pregnant wife (who may have a high or low energy level - and want to visit 7 places.
Many people will tell you not to rent a car. I don't disagree with that - we have done MANY rod trips in Europe. But in 10 days I would do no more than 3 different hotels. Pick 3 places and actually see a lITTLE bit of them. What you have planned is more or less non-stop diving, finding garages and places to park and checking in and out of hotels. No time to see much. And no time to relax and sit in a sidewalk cafe and feel a little of the Italian atmosphere.
As for your budget - we have no idea what it is. I will tell you that if you are planning on leaving 2 days from now and don;t have hotel reservations your choices are quite likely to be limited and decent ones probably quite expensive (the nice, less expensive ones are booked weeks if not months in advance.)
Many people will tell you not to rent a car. I don't disagree with that - we have done MANY rod trips in Europe. But in 10 days I would do no more than 3 different hotels. Pick 3 places and actually see a lITTLE bit of them. What you have planned is more or less non-stop diving, finding garages and places to park and checking in and out of hotels. No time to see much. And no time to relax and sit in a sidewalk cafe and feel a little of the Italian atmosphere.
As for your budget - we have no idea what it is. I will tell you that if you are planning on leaving 2 days from now and don;t have hotel reservations your choices are quite likely to be limited and decent ones probably quite expensive (the nice, less expensive ones are booked weeks if not months in advance.)
Sep 27th, 2011, 06:18 PM
#3
If you drive, you need an International Driving Permit (available through AAA or by mail which you don't have time for). Some may say you could rent/drive without an IDP, but we were specifically told we needed them when we confirmed a reservation for next month.
nytraveler points out the lodging problem which would be most acute in Venice (expense) and Cinque Terre (availability). I wouldn't arrive in either place without a reservation, and I wouldn't land in Milan without a place to sleep that night.
Me? I'd spend the first night in Milan, train to Florence, bus to Siena and end in Rome. How you allocate the days depends on your interests (Renaissance art v. medieval town v. Roman treasures).
For many reasons, this is not a trip I would do 'on the fly.'
nytraveler points out the lodging problem which would be most acute in Venice (expense) and Cinque Terre (availability). I wouldn't arrive in either place without a reservation, and I wouldn't land in Milan without a place to sleep that night.
Me? I'd spend the first night in Milan, train to Florence, bus to Siena and end in Rome. How you allocate the days depends on your interests (Renaissance art v. medieval town v. Roman treasures).
For many reasons, this is not a trip I would do 'on the fly.'
Sep 27th, 2011, 06:34 PM
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We have no clue what your budget is - you didn't say. So we can't help you with that.
Frankly, I think this is a crazy idea, even if you didn't have the added detail of pregnancy to deal with. You're leaving the day after tomorrow and you have no plans?
I don't know why you'd want a car, except for Lake Como and Tuscany. You can't really use it in Florence and it's useless in Rome and the Cinque Terre. And I'm not sure you have time to get the required International Driving Permit.
I honestly don't think anyone can solve this in less than 48 hours since you haven't done any planning. If I were your wife, I'd be freaking out. I took many trips to Europe while pregnant, but I always knew where I was going months in advance and how to get there and how much it would cost and what to expect. You can't possibly get this trip together in under two days.
Frankly, I think this is a crazy idea, even if you didn't have the added detail of pregnancy to deal with. You're leaving the day after tomorrow and you have no plans?
I don't know why you'd want a car, except for Lake Como and Tuscany. You can't really use it in Florence and it's useless in Rome and the Cinque Terre. And I'm not sure you have time to get the required International Driving Permit.
I honestly don't think anyone can solve this in less than 48 hours since you haven't done any planning. If I were your wife, I'd be freaking out. I took many trips to Europe while pregnant, but I always knew where I was going months in advance and how to get there and how much it would cost and what to expect. You can't possibly get this trip together in under two days.
Sep 27th, 2011, 07:14 PM
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Have internet access with you wherever you go. Bookmark venere.com for rooms.
It reads like you already got a car. Is it rented?
Where are you traveling from? Another EU country, perhaps? If so, the entire International Driver's License thing would not apply to you.
And what IS your budget?
It reads like you already got a car. Is it rented?
Where are you traveling from? Another EU country, perhaps? If so, the entire International Driver's License thing would not apply to you.
And what IS your budget?
Sep 27th, 2011, 07:37 PM
#6
Like others, I would advise you to forget the car - it will only get in the way. If you are landing in Milan, I would train to Verona, scene of Romeo and Juliet, for a day to get over jet lag and IMO a romantic city even without the R&J connection. It is not a long train trip. We enjoyed the Hotel Torcolo there - basic but very nice with wonderful staff. Excellent location in Verona. From there, train to Venice, also not very long. The Palazzo Guardi Hotel www.pallazoguardivenice.com in Venice is well located in Dorsoduru with lovely rooms (insist on a room with a San Travaso canal view.) The room photos on the website are accurate. From Venice to either Florence if you want art or Siena for a medieval walled city. From there to Rome.
Sep 27th, 2011, 09:45 PM
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Hi Leodl,
Having taken a holiday on the cusp of 2nd - 3rd trimester, just wanted to encourage you guys to think about what might happen if your wife starts to feel uncomfortable during the trip. I would plug for fewer - or even just one - destination. You could have a perfectly romantic holiday at Lake Como and if your wife is feeling good and full of energy, you could do little day trips out to other areas (the little townships on the lake, Lugano, Milan, etc). If she's feeling crappy or gets swollen ankles, you could easily spend down time in a beautiful, relaxing setting without feeling like you are missing out. I wouldn't necessarily sacrifice the car if this turns out to be your plan, only if you are thinking about cities, ditch the car.
Lavandula
Having taken a holiday on the cusp of 2nd - 3rd trimester, just wanted to encourage you guys to think about what might happen if your wife starts to feel uncomfortable during the trip. I would plug for fewer - or even just one - destination. You could have a perfectly romantic holiday at Lake Como and if your wife is feeling good and full of energy, you could do little day trips out to other areas (the little townships on the lake, Lugano, Milan, etc). If she's feeling crappy or gets swollen ankles, you could easily spend down time in a beautiful, relaxing setting without feeling like you are missing out. I wouldn't necessarily sacrifice the car if this turns out to be your plan, only if you are thinking about cities, ditch the car.
Lavandula
Sep 27th, 2011, 09:59 PM
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Thank you very much for all the replys!
We will follow your most of the tips.
Jean, I do have an international permit. We are thinking about renting a car just for half of the trip..
By the way, If I had limited budget.. What would you recommend to do and how long we need to stay everywhere? we are really confused, but do want to stay in como or grada (no idea which one is better), Venice and Rome. And Cinque Terra also looks amazing......
We will follow your most of the tips.
Jean, I do have an international permit. We are thinking about renting a car just for half of the trip..
By the way, If I had limited budget.. What would you recommend to do and how long we need to stay everywhere? we are really confused, but do want to stay in como or grada (no idea which one is better), Venice and Rome. And Cinque Terra also looks amazing......
Sep 28th, 2011, 04:48 AM
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Cinque Terre is quite beautiful but I would definitely skup it for this trip. This time of year it would be pleasant only if the weather is nice. The main attraction to Cinque Terre is the hiking. Most of the trails are hilly and rocky and some are slippery when wet. Not ideal for a pregnant woman. And you definitely don't have time for everything on your wish list.
Fly into Milan, go immediately to Como or Garda for 3 days to get over jet lag and enjoy the lakes. As for which is better, go where you can reserve a hotel room in advance. Then train to Venice for 3 days and finally train to Rome for the remainder of your time. You really don't need (can't use)a car except perhaps for the lakes so I wouldn't rent one.
Fly into Milan, go immediately to Como or Garda for 3 days to get over jet lag and enjoy the lakes. As for which is better, go where you can reserve a hotel room in advance. Then train to Venice for 3 days and finally train to Rome for the remainder of your time. You really don't need (can't use)a car except perhaps for the lakes so I wouldn't rent one.
Sep 28th, 2011, 06:05 AM
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First, baby congrats.
Here's a thought. Don't drive-use the train. Take the bus shuttle to Milan and stay there that first night. You'd have time to go to the Duomo, the Galleria and, if you reserve online, maybe the "Last Supper". But most importantly, to rest.
Day 3 (remember you lose a day traveling) take the train to Garda and stay there for 2 nights. Other Fodorites will have to help you with towns-I've never been.
If you decide to go to Lake Como, take the train to Varenna-Esina instead. Stay in Varenna and take ferry to sitesee. It's much easier to take the ferry without a car.
Day 5 train to Venice and stay there 2 or 3 nights
Day 8 or 9 train to Rome for the end of your visit.
If you could change your flight, you could leave from Venice and add a day to the Lake and Venice. I know you would hate to miss Tuscany and the CT, but 5 places in 8 days is almost physically impossible.
If you think you'd enjoy Florence more, exchange that with Venice. It all depends on what calls out to you.
Happy Honeymoon!
Here's a thought. Don't drive-use the train. Take the bus shuttle to Milan and stay there that first night. You'd have time to go to the Duomo, the Galleria and, if you reserve online, maybe the "Last Supper". But most importantly, to rest.
Day 3 (remember you lose a day traveling) take the train to Garda and stay there for 2 nights. Other Fodorites will have to help you with towns-I've never been.
If you decide to go to Lake Como, take the train to Varenna-Esina instead. Stay in Varenna and take ferry to sitesee. It's much easier to take the ferry without a car.
Day 5 train to Venice and stay there 2 or 3 nights
Day 8 or 9 train to Rome for the end of your visit.
If you could change your flight, you could leave from Venice and add a day to the Lake and Venice. I know you would hate to miss Tuscany and the CT, but 5 places in 8 days is almost physically impossible.
If you think you'd enjoy Florence more, exchange that with Venice. It all depends on what calls out to you.
Happy Honeymoon!
Sep 28th, 2011, 06:17 AM
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I'm with mamcalice. Don't try to hit all the tourist sights dragging your poor pregnant wife behind you. Especially if you're arriving in Italy after a long, overnight flight. A nice relaxing time on one of the lakes would be a good start. But hurry and get reservations, at least for your first stop.
Sep 28th, 2011, 08:59 AM
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With 10 days and a pregnant wife I would stick to 2 - 3 places - somewhere in the Lakes, Venice and Rome if thats where your flights leave from.
I would start by searching www.venere.com and see what is available in your price range and read the reviews there. I would definitely make your reservations now before you go - you dont want to be dragging your wife around hunting for a place when you arrive in that city!
Give Cinque Terre a miss with a pregnant wife. There is no way she is going to be hiking and thats really the main draw of the area.
I would start by searching www.venere.com and see what is available in your price range and read the reviews there. I would definitely make your reservations now before you go - you dont want to be dragging your wife around hunting for a place when you arrive in that city!
Give Cinque Terre a miss with a pregnant wife. There is no way she is going to be hiking and thats really the main draw of the area.
Sep 28th, 2011, 09:32 AM
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We hve no idea what a limited budget means. Are you looking for very basic places - pension or B&B, bath down the hal and no elevator - at 100 euros a night? Something a little more pleasant at 200 euros? Luxury at 800 euros?
Everyone has different standards and you have no time to search and be picky.
if youwant help on hotels give a specific amount per night in $ or eurs.
Everyone has different standards and you have no time to search and be picky.
if youwant help on hotels give a specific amount per night in $ or eurs.
Sep 28th, 2011, 09:55 AM
#15
I think you'll have difficulty finding budget-friendly lodging at either lake at this late date and because you'll be looking for weekend availability.
The Hotel Star in Milan has a double room available the night of the 29th for 105 euros. I would jump on it. We've stayed in this hotel twice.
http://www.hotelstar.it/
Depending on your budget, you may need to stay outside of Venice and train into the city to explore (which would be a shame, but it is what it is at this point). If you stayed in Verona (a nice destination in itself), you could day trip by train to both Venice and towns at the southern end of Lake Garda.
In Rome, try The Bee Hive, although at this point I'd be surprised if a private room was available.
http://www.the-beehive.com/
The Hotel Star in Milan has a double room available the night of the 29th for 105 euros. I would jump on it. We've stayed in this hotel twice.
http://www.hotelstar.it/
Depending on your budget, you may need to stay outside of Venice and train into the city to explore (which would be a shame, but it is what it is at this point). If you stayed in Verona (a nice destination in itself), you could day trip by train to both Venice and towns at the southern end of Lake Garda.
In Rome, try The Bee Hive, although at this point I'd be surprised if a private room was available.
http://www.the-beehive.com/
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