Please help me plan my trip!
Mar 3rd, 2015, 03:57 PM
#43
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Meaganc: If you are indeed going "this summer," you need to make some final decisions and start booking airplane tickets and lodging or you will be staying home. Many others travel to Europe in the summer, especially to the popular places you are considering.
1. It looks like you have "a maximum of 3 weeks." This means 19 days in Europe, not counting the first or last day.
2. With 19 days on the ground, you can comfortably go to four
or even five destinations (4 destinations averaging 4 days each and 3 days for travel or 5 destinations averaging 3 days each with 4 days for travel). Remember, 4 nights in one city is really only 3 full days of sightseeing, with small bits of the arrival and departure day.
3. If you are flying (i.e., BCN to Rome or VCE to Paris), you need to consider the time it takes to get to the airport, checkin before the flight, secure your bags after the flight and get to your lodging, NOT just the duration of the flight. For shorter distances, trains make more sense (e.g., within Italy).
4. If you are serious about visiting the Amalfi coast, I recommend staying in Sorrento and traveling to Amalfi, Positano and Capri by ferry. Positano is beautiful in postcards, but VERY hilly and (IMO) unpleasant to walk around. The best part is the view from the ferry coming and going. From Sorrento, you can also take the local train a short ride to Pompeii.
5. I don't know which budget airline flys BCN>NAP, but you can look it up. Go directly to Sorrento after BCN for the above itinerary, then to Rome, Florence, Venice and Paris (via Easyjet). Assuming 4-5 days in Sorrento, you should have approximately 3-4 days in each other city, flying home from Paris.
6. At my age (unstated), this itinerary would kill me. But since you two are 28 (sigh!), you can be a little more aggressive if you choose to do so.
7. To have more time in any of these cities, I recommend you eliminate one entirely, rather than just cut down on the amount of time. You really can't see much in 2 days (which equates to 3 nights).
8. Although I dearly love BCN, it is the most out-of=the-way destination you mention (other than AMS which should wait until next time in any event).
9. Bon chance, but you really need to get cracking, make some decisions and stop pondering. No matter what you decide, you will be back and you will have a great time in Europe.
10. BTW,it doesn't hurt to learn a few words in Spanish, Italian and French. "Good morning, please, thank you" go a long way. The natives will know you are not local, but will appreciate your effort. Believe me, those associated with the tourist industry speak far better English than you speak whatever.
1. It looks like you have "a maximum of 3 weeks." This means 19 days in Europe, not counting the first or last day.
2. With 19 days on the ground, you can comfortably go to four
or even five destinations (4 destinations averaging 4 days each and 3 days for travel or 5 destinations averaging 3 days each with 4 days for travel). Remember, 4 nights in one city is really only 3 full days of sightseeing, with small bits of the arrival and departure day.
3. If you are flying (i.e., BCN to Rome or VCE to Paris), you need to consider the time it takes to get to the airport, checkin before the flight, secure your bags after the flight and get to your lodging, NOT just the duration of the flight. For shorter distances, trains make more sense (e.g., within Italy).
4. If you are serious about visiting the Amalfi coast, I recommend staying in Sorrento and traveling to Amalfi, Positano and Capri by ferry. Positano is beautiful in postcards, but VERY hilly and (IMO) unpleasant to walk around. The best part is the view from the ferry coming and going. From Sorrento, you can also take the local train a short ride to Pompeii.
5. I don't know which budget airline flys BCN>NAP, but you can look it up. Go directly to Sorrento after BCN for the above itinerary, then to Rome, Florence, Venice and Paris (via Easyjet). Assuming 4-5 days in Sorrento, you should have approximately 3-4 days in each other city, flying home from Paris.
6. At my age (unstated), this itinerary would kill me. But since you two are 28 (sigh!), you can be a little more aggressive if you choose to do so.
7. To have more time in any of these cities, I recommend you eliminate one entirely, rather than just cut down on the amount of time. You really can't see much in 2 days (which equates to 3 nights).
8. Although I dearly love BCN, it is the most out-of=the-way destination you mention (other than AMS which should wait until next time in any event).
9. Bon chance, but you really need to get cracking, make some decisions and stop pondering. No matter what you decide, you will be back and you will have a great time in Europe.
10. BTW,it doesn't hurt to learn a few words in Spanish, Italian and French. "Good morning, please, thank you" go a long way. The natives will know you are not local, but will appreciate your effort. Believe me, those associated with the tourist industry speak far better English than you speak whatever.
Mar 3rd, 2015, 05:33 PM
#46
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And also, depending on when you go to Italy, if it's the summer holidays, the coast will be packed! Same in France, same in Spain. That's july - august. And yes, Italy, Spain will be hot, Paris might suffer a heat wave too, it did last year: 37ºC in july. Cities aren't much fun in that weather, you'll do almost nothing.
Mar 3rd, 2015, 05:35 PM
#47
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sorry, pressed enter too soon.
You'll do less during the day, I meant, but that's when you want to sightsee, while those holiday towns, especially in Italy and also Barcelona come truly alive after 10 PM.
You'll do less during the day, I meant, but that's when you want to sightsee, while those holiday towns, especially in Italy and also Barcelona come truly alive after 10 PM.
Mar 4th, 2015, 07:30 PM
#49
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zorrosf thank you so much for your great review! Can you suggest somewhere to stay in Sorrento? We definitely are cutting out Spain at this point. Our new itinerary was going to be 3 nights Venice, 3 nights Florence, 5 nights Positano, 3 nights Rome - yes no Paris 
I was hoping to stay there first before Venice but from a cost perspective Im thinking the trip will be over my 10 000 budget.
I am going to book hotels in the meantime with good cancellation policies (thanks for that!)
Any thoughts on a cruise instead? For example, a deal came out today that starts and ends in Venice with a stop in 3 places in Greece and a stop in Croatia...could do this then just a couple nights in Florence and Rome after. Thoughts?
You guys are amazing thanks again for everything! Unfortunately I can only do summer travel as I work in the schools.
I was hoping to stay there first before Venice but from a cost perspective Im thinking the trip will be over my 10 000 budget. I am going to book hotels in the meantime with good cancellation policies (thanks for that!)
Any thoughts on a cruise instead? For example, a deal came out today that starts and ends in Venice with a stop in 3 places in Greece and a stop in Croatia...could do this then just a couple nights in Florence and Rome after. Thoughts?
You guys are amazing thanks again for everything! Unfortunately I can only do summer travel as I work in the schools.
Mar 5th, 2015, 10:54 AM
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Meagan:
1. Your current itinerary adds up to 14 days on the ground, not 19. So I'm confused; does this mean you are planning 5 nights in Sorrento?
2. In Sorrento, we stayed at Settimo Cielo. Basic, reasonably priced but KILLER views. The Minerva across the street also looked nice and had the same views. Easy walk to center of town and to ferries. You will have to hurry to get reservations at either of these hotels.
3. If you stay in Sorrento, it is flat (for walking) unlike Positano, has a great passagiata (look it up) and you will be able to reach all the prime locations on the Amalfi coast WITHOUT having to ALSO stay in Positano. For my money, any night in Positano is a waste of a night. Others will disagree, but c'est la vie.
3. Cruises are for the very old or very un-adventurous. Every stop you will dis=embark with 3,500 of your closest friends. Is that a vacation? Sounds like purgatory.
4. If you eliminate BCN and Positano, you have plenty of time for Paris
EasyJet has cheap flights VCE>PAR.
1. Your current itinerary adds up to 14 days on the ground, not 19. So I'm confused; does this mean you are planning 5 nights in Sorrento?
2. In Sorrento, we stayed at Settimo Cielo. Basic, reasonably priced but KILLER views. The Minerva across the street also looked nice and had the same views. Easy walk to center of town and to ferries. You will have to hurry to get reservations at either of these hotels.
3. If you stay in Sorrento, it is flat (for walking) unlike Positano, has a great passagiata (look it up) and you will be able to reach all the prime locations on the Amalfi coast WITHOUT having to ALSO stay in Positano. For my money, any night in Positano is a waste of a night. Others will disagree, but c'est la vie.
3. Cruises are for the very old or very un-adventurous. Every stop you will dis=embark with 3,500 of your closest friends. Is that a vacation? Sounds like purgatory.
4. If you eliminate BCN and Positano, you have plenty of time for Paris
EasyJet has cheap flights VCE>PAR.
Mar 5th, 2015, 07:44 PM
#53
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Thanks for the insight re: cruise- I have eliminated the idea and am going to stop listening to my nosey and jealous friends!!! zorrosf - we have up to three weeks but you are right we weren't looking at staying the whole time. Worried about the price. When I say 10 000 budget I mean Canadian. Are you suggesting take out Positano but do 5 days Sorrento with day trip to Positano, Capri and Pompeii and then also add Paris in at the beginning?
Not sure from a cost stand point if I will keep in budget?
Not sure from a cost stand point if I will keep in budget?
Mar 6th, 2015, 09:29 AM
#54
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Meagan:
1. Eliminate any and all overnights in Positano.
2. Do 5 days in Sorrento (don't miss Davide), take day trips to Pompeii, Positano, and Capri. That is 3 destinations for 3 separate day trips; do not try to combine into 1 day or you will kill yourselves - VERY hot in the summer! Day 1 will be shot from jet lag. Just sit by the pool and enjoy the view of Naples Bay and Mt. Vesuvius. Pick 1 of these destinations per day. Recommend a VERY early start for the day you go to Pompeii.
4. Settimo Cielo in Sorrento is very basic and very cheap. We even got a 10% discount for paying cash.
5. Plan on 3 days each in Rome, Florence and Venice. Not enough time, but sufficient to get your bearings and see the highpoints. Otherwise, skip one of these and spend 4-5 days in the two not eliminated.
6. Price out the cost thus far. If you can afford it, take EasyJet to Paris and spend 4 days there. It will be the most expensive place (or perhaps Venice) but in each of these large cities you will have less expensive and more expensive options. Only you can decide what is important to you.
7. If price is too high after 14 days in Italy, fly home from Venice.
8. You haven't a day to waste. Please stop listening to every pundit (except those on this board), make some decisons, and GO FOR IT.
9. BTW, 1 Euro = $1.36 Canadian and is trending in favor of Western currencies.
10. Get going and don't forget to report back on your decisions and trip!
11. Finding good food is not difficult. Finding good CHEAP food is difficult. Don't be afraid to "picnic" for dinner with a loaf of bread, some good cheese and a bottle of wine. Should cost about 15-20 Euros instead of a cheap restaurant meal which will cost at least 30-40 Euros. Fortunately, in Italy, pizza is excellent and plentiful. Even trattorias and some ristorante serve reasonably priced pizza, not just pizzarias.
12. In Sorrento, try Pizzeria di Franco on the main drag.
1. Eliminate any and all overnights in Positano.
2. Do 5 days in Sorrento (don't miss Davide), take day trips to Pompeii, Positano, and Capri. That is 3 destinations for 3 separate day trips; do not try to combine into 1 day or you will kill yourselves - VERY hot in the summer! Day 1 will be shot from jet lag. Just sit by the pool and enjoy the view of Naples Bay and Mt. Vesuvius. Pick 1 of these destinations per day. Recommend a VERY early start for the day you go to Pompeii.
4. Settimo Cielo in Sorrento is very basic and very cheap. We even got a 10% discount for paying cash.
5. Plan on 3 days each in Rome, Florence and Venice. Not enough time, but sufficient to get your bearings and see the highpoints. Otherwise, skip one of these and spend 4-5 days in the two not eliminated.
6. Price out the cost thus far. If you can afford it, take EasyJet to Paris and spend 4 days there. It will be the most expensive place (or perhaps Venice) but in each of these large cities you will have less expensive and more expensive options. Only you can decide what is important to you.
7. If price is too high after 14 days in Italy, fly home from Venice.
8. You haven't a day to waste. Please stop listening to every pundit (except those on this board), make some decisons, and GO FOR IT.
9. BTW, 1 Euro = $1.36 Canadian and is trending in favor of Western currencies.
10. Get going and don't forget to report back on your decisions and trip!
11. Finding good food is not difficult. Finding good CHEAP food is difficult. Don't be afraid to "picnic" for dinner with a loaf of bread, some good cheese and a bottle of wine. Should cost about 15-20 Euros instead of a cheap restaurant meal which will cost at least 30-40 Euros. Fortunately, in Italy, pizza is excellent and plentiful. Even trattorias and some ristorante serve reasonably priced pizza, not just pizzarias.
12. In Sorrento, try Pizzeria di Franco on the main drag.
Mar 6th, 2015, 08:17 PM
#55
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Zorrosf - I have to ask - what do you do for a living? Travel agent? Even my own family is sick of me haha!
Ok so here is the plan - and I think it is a good one (although opposite order of your itinerary)- we really wanted to keep the relaxing portion of the trip on the coast towards the end for a bit of a break!
1. Fly into Paris (my flight late July 10 my time but to arrive July 11 at 1pm Paris time)
4 nights in Paris 11, 12, 13, 14,departing on July 15 (so we can experience Bastille Day)
The place in Paris is in the Latin end 35, rue des Ecoles, 75005 Paris, France - breakfast package was an extra 14 euro a person a day so I am thinking to buy our own breakfast?
Easy jet flight to Venice - QUESTION: When arriving to Venice how do I get to my hotel? Water taxi? Train? What is the cost and do I book these from home?
2. 2 nights in Venice (15, 16 departing 17)- albeit a shorter stay, I think we will be able to get a taste of what Venice is all about - we could always leave Paris in the morning on the 15th or leave Venice late on departure date)
Train to Florence.
Venice hotel location: Santa Croce 2160, 30135 Venice, Italy (San Polo) - this this a good spot?
3. Florence 3 nights (17, 18, 19 departing 20th)- day trip for sure to Tuscany for Vespa wine tour - it was suggested to cut out the Cinque Terra as it would make for a long day. Any other must dos in the area? We are thinking of skipping Pisa.
Florence location: right by the Doumo - this ok location?
4. Positano 5 nights (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 depart 26) (train to Salerno then ferry) - zorrosf, you mentioned staying in Sorrento instead for easier transit to other locations - how far is Sorrento from Positano? Would it be too much to split it up - couple nights Sorrento a couple nights Positano - we really wanted to relax a bit on the beach.
There is cancellation available in Positano location. I did find a nice b&b in Sorrento though as well (not a beach though).
Here are the two spots:
1. Via Liparlati 53 - 84017 Positano (SA)
2. Via Campitiello, 14 | Casarlano, 80067 Sorrento, Italy
NOTE; the Sorrento location is definitely in my budget range but they only have availability 22-25 and I will be planning to be in the area from 20-25 departing 26 - what about staying in Positano location 20,21,22 and Sorrento location 23, 24 depart 25?
Is there another Sorrento spot you suggest? This one has free shuttle to town.
Capri I am assuming is better from Positano. Pompeii from Sorrento?
5: Rome 25, 26, 27 depart 28 (we will be there for my birthday on the 26th! My last year in my 20s!). The place we booked (also free cancellation) is by the Spanish steps. Via Margutta, 61, 00187 Roma, Italy good location?
Fly home on the 28th 2pm.
Thoughts??
PS. I love pizza I will definitely try your suggestion! AND who doesn't love cheese and bread! great idea with some wine!
One more point...we budgeted a MAXIMUM of 200 Canadian (140 euro) a day for food (total for both of us) - will this be okay?? We know some days we will spend less and some more but OVERALL will this work? The places in Amalfi area, Rome and Venice all include breakfast. The one in Florence looks pretty weak for breakfast and Paris does not include it (unless we pay 14 euro a day each as stated above)
THANKS!!!!!
Ok so here is the plan - and I think it is a good one (although opposite order of your itinerary)- we really wanted to keep the relaxing portion of the trip on the coast towards the end for a bit of a break!
1. Fly into Paris (my flight late July 10 my time but to arrive July 11 at 1pm Paris time)
4 nights in Paris 11, 12, 13, 14,departing on July 15 (so we can experience Bastille Day)
The place in Paris is in the Latin end 35, rue des Ecoles, 75005 Paris, France - breakfast package was an extra 14 euro a person a day so I am thinking to buy our own breakfast?
Easy jet flight to Venice - QUESTION: When arriving to Venice how do I get to my hotel? Water taxi? Train? What is the cost and do I book these from home?
2. 2 nights in Venice (15, 16 departing 17)- albeit a shorter stay, I think we will be able to get a taste of what Venice is all about - we could always leave Paris in the morning on the 15th or leave Venice late on departure date)
Train to Florence.
Venice hotel location: Santa Croce 2160, 30135 Venice, Italy (San Polo) - this this a good spot?
3. Florence 3 nights (17, 18, 19 departing 20th)- day trip for sure to Tuscany for Vespa wine tour - it was suggested to cut out the Cinque Terra as it would make for a long day. Any other must dos in the area? We are thinking of skipping Pisa.
Florence location: right by the Doumo - this ok location?
4. Positano 5 nights (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 depart 26) (train to Salerno then ferry) - zorrosf, you mentioned staying in Sorrento instead for easier transit to other locations - how far is Sorrento from Positano? Would it be too much to split it up - couple nights Sorrento a couple nights Positano - we really wanted to relax a bit on the beach.
There is cancellation available in Positano location. I did find a nice b&b in Sorrento though as well (not a beach though).
Here are the two spots:
1. Via Liparlati 53 - 84017 Positano (SA)
2. Via Campitiello, 14 | Casarlano, 80067 Sorrento, Italy
NOTE; the Sorrento location is definitely in my budget range but they only have availability 22-25 and I will be planning to be in the area from 20-25 departing 26 - what about staying in Positano location 20,21,22 and Sorrento location 23, 24 depart 25?
Is there another Sorrento spot you suggest? This one has free shuttle to town.
Capri I am assuming is better from Positano. Pompeii from Sorrento?
5: Rome 25, 26, 27 depart 28 (we will be there for my birthday on the 26th! My last year in my 20s!). The place we booked (also free cancellation) is by the Spanish steps. Via Margutta, 61, 00187 Roma, Italy good location?
Fly home on the 28th 2pm.
Thoughts??
PS. I love pizza I will definitely try your suggestion! AND who doesn't love cheese and bread! great idea with some wine!
One more point...we budgeted a MAXIMUM of 200 Canadian (140 euro) a day for food (total for both of us) - will this be okay?? We know some days we will spend less and some more but OVERALL will this work? The places in Amalfi area, Rome and Venice all include breakfast. The one in Florence looks pretty weak for breakfast and Paris does not include it (unless we pay 14 euro a day each as stated above)
THANKS!!!!!
Mar 7th, 2015, 08:24 AM
#56
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Your hotel in Venice will probably provide the best directions to get there. From my experience staying in that area a number of times, you have a few options to get there from the airport. For all options involving a boat, you will have to walk from the terminal to the docks, a 5-7 minute walk from the terminal.
1. Private water taxi - drop at or as close as possible to your hotel - about 100 euro total
2. Shared water taxi - drop at or as close as possible to your hotel - about 25 euro per person
3. Alilaguna water bus to San Stae, and then walk a bit to your hotel - about 15 euro per person
4. Land bus (stops right in front of terminal) to Piazzale Roma (7 euro), then vaporetto Line 1 (7 euro) to Riva de Biasio, then a short walk to your hotel. If you plan to buy a transport card for your time in Venice, the vaporetto will be included.
5. Land bus to Piazzale Roma (7 euro), then walk to your hotel - might be confusing and tedious with luggage carrying over bridges, but if you plan carefully you won't have than many bridges. If it were me, I would probably take this option, but I travel light and know the way. A novice in Venice might be horribly frustrated.
I like the location of the hotel because it is a little off the beaten walking routes, but really not all that far from anything. I like very much the nearby Campo S. Giacomo dell'Orio for its real-life Venice feel.
Your Florence location sounds fine. I would play any daytrips by ear, depending on the weather. Rather than Pisa, some people like a daytrip to Lucca. You might also take a public bus to one of the scenic overlooks of Florence: #7 to Fiesole; #12 or #13 to Piazzale Michelangelo--easy to walk back into Florence from here. If the crush of tourist near your hotel seems bothersm, take a walk into the Oltrarno district across the river for quieter streets and small shops.
1. Private water taxi - drop at or as close as possible to your hotel - about 100 euro total
2. Shared water taxi - drop at or as close as possible to your hotel - about 25 euro per person
3. Alilaguna water bus to San Stae, and then walk a bit to your hotel - about 15 euro per person
4. Land bus (stops right in front of terminal) to Piazzale Roma (7 euro), then vaporetto Line 1 (7 euro) to Riva de Biasio, then a short walk to your hotel. If you plan to buy a transport card for your time in Venice, the vaporetto will be included.
5. Land bus to Piazzale Roma (7 euro), then walk to your hotel - might be confusing and tedious with luggage carrying over bridges, but if you plan carefully you won't have than many bridges. If it were me, I would probably take this option, but I travel light and know the way. A novice in Venice might be horribly frustrated.
I like the location of the hotel because it is a little off the beaten walking routes, but really not all that far from anything. I like very much the nearby Campo S. Giacomo dell'Orio for its real-life Venice feel.
Your Florence location sounds fine. I would play any daytrips by ear, depending on the weather. Rather than Pisa, some people like a daytrip to Lucca. You might also take a public bus to one of the scenic overlooks of Florence: #7 to Fiesole; #12 or #13 to Piazzale Michelangelo--easy to walk back into Florence from here. If the crush of tourist near your hotel seems bothersm, take a walk into the Oltrarno district across the river for quieter streets and small shops.
Mar 7th, 2015, 10:13 AM
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***The place in Paris is in the Latin end 35, rue des Ecoles, 75005 Paris, France - breakfast package was an extra 14 euro a person a day so I am thinking to buy our own breakfast?***
I suppose in Paris you're at the St Jacques, right? If you walk through Rue des Carmes towards Blvd St Germain, on your left hand there will be Maubert Service for fruit, wine etc. And almost at the corner of Maubert you have les delices du fournil, a pretty good baker with some tables and chairs for coffee. Good breakfast at a fraction of the cost your hotel charges. (14 euros, common but still outrageous) At the corner of Rue des Carmes with Blvd St Germain there are a couple of ok brasseries too.
That entire neighbourhood has good places if you look a little. Check it out on streetview and you get the idea.
It's a cool location. If you walk via the Pantheon, you're almost at Luxembourg. While if you follow Rue des Ecoles east and turn right at Cardinal Lemoine, you might end up at Place de la Contrescarpe and Rue Mouffetard.
(Cardinal Lemoine 74 is where Hemingway lived for a while)
all this, to whet your appetite for Paris
I suppose in Paris you're at the St Jacques, right? If you walk through Rue des Carmes towards Blvd St Germain, on your left hand there will be Maubert Service for fruit, wine etc. And almost at the corner of Maubert you have les delices du fournil, a pretty good baker with some tables and chairs for coffee. Good breakfast at a fraction of the cost your hotel charges. (14 euros, common but still outrageous) At the corner of Rue des Carmes with Blvd St Germain there are a couple of ok brasseries too.
That entire neighbourhood has good places if you look a little. Check it out on streetview and you get the idea.
It's a cool location. If you walk via the Pantheon, you're almost at Luxembourg. While if you follow Rue des Ecoles east and turn right at Cardinal Lemoine, you might end up at Place de la Contrescarpe and Rue Mouffetard.
(Cardinal Lemoine 74 is where Hemingway lived for a while)
all this, to whet your appetite for Paris
Mar 7th, 2015, 10:17 AM
#58
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Again the overnight train Paris to Venice could be cool unless you are a light sleeper - get a private compatment - bring wine, cheese, bread or the whole kitchen on board - no problems and have a nice little party and wake up in Venice - save a cost of a hotel and daytime travel time thru fairly un-astounding scenery. www.thello.com is the official site for the overnight train Paris-Milan-Verona-Pisa-Venice.
Mar 7th, 2015, 11:29 AM
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Menachem - YES that is the hotel!!! Thanks for the advice about the breakfast! Is the subway nearby that location? I honestly can't wait!! Are you still living in Paris - very jealous!!
PalenQ - thanks for the advice re: the train, I never thought of not losing a day travel by doing nighttime, although, when I went on to the link you posted, there are no options to travel from Paris to Venice July 15.
Ellenem - Thanks for the tips re: the transportation to the hotel. I think maybe a shared water taxi may be a nice idea - how do you book this? I will be staying in Venice for 2 nights (arriving on July 15 late in the day and then the whole day on the 16. I will be departing to Florence in the 17) Will this be enough time for a nice taste of Venice? Would you recommend leaving earlier or later in the day for Florence, based on which area has more to offer? I plan to book all trains in advance so when I go on the trip, I have maps, etc ready to go. I am directionally challenged, half the time even with a map right infront of me!!
Also, you mentioned some day trips in florence. I am in Florence for two full days (in addition to whatever time is left of the day I arrive). I will definitely have to prioritize, especially if I lose a day doing the Tuscany Vespa tour. You mentioned some suggestions (Lucca, etc.). Is that a one day outing to those places or more? Am I going to be okay with this many days in Florence?
PalenQ - thanks for the advice re: the train, I never thought of not losing a day travel by doing nighttime, although, when I went on to the link you posted, there are no options to travel from Paris to Venice July 15.
Ellenem - Thanks for the tips re: the transportation to the hotel. I think maybe a shared water taxi may be a nice idea - how do you book this? I will be staying in Venice for 2 nights (arriving on July 15 late in the day and then the whole day on the 16. I will be departing to Florence in the 17) Will this be enough time for a nice taste of Venice? Would you recommend leaving earlier or later in the day for Florence, based on which area has more to offer? I plan to book all trains in advance so when I go on the trip, I have maps, etc ready to go. I am directionally challenged, half the time even with a map right infront of me!!
Also, you mentioned some day trips in florence. I am in Florence for two full days (in addition to whatever time is left of the day I arrive). I will definitely have to prioritize, especially if I lose a day doing the Tuscany Vespa tour. You mentioned some suggestions (Lucca, etc.). Is that a one day outing to those places or more? Am I going to be okay with this many days in Florence?
Mar 7th, 2015, 01:56 PM
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Fiesole is a small town overlooking Florence. People often take a ride up their just to watch the suns set or take photos, thugh it is a small town so has a church or two and some ruins to see if you like. It is easy to get to and doesn't take much of your day.
Piazzale Michelangelo is simple a scenic overlook of the city--every tour bus to Florence stops here to take photos. It is easy to get to and doesn't take much of your day. Worth visiting very nearby is the Church of San Miniato al Monte.
Her's a link to one shared water taxi service:
http://www.venicelink.com/index.php?...hk=1&Itemid=43
Piazzale Michelangelo is simple a scenic overlook of the city--every tour bus to Florence stops here to take photos. It is easy to get to and doesn't take much of your day. Worth visiting very nearby is the Church of San Miniato al Monte.
Her's a link to one shared water taxi service:
http://www.venicelink.com/index.php?...hk=1&Itemid=43
