Please help with choices: Italy and Provence
 

Our dream vacation is still just that, a dream. But we will probably be going next spring and I could use some help in planning. We will actually take two trips -- 2 weeks each: one in Italy (Rome, Tuscany, Florence, Venice) and the next year in Provence (Avignon to Nice).

The only real question is where to tack on the Lake Como area (which is a must see for us.) I'm inclined to include it with Provence: 3 nights in Como by train from Nice. I should add that we hope to do Italy in the low season, maybe Feb/early March '05. We would then do Provence a year later in June or July. Wouldn't it be better to go to Como in summer?

Please tell me what you think.

I agree that Lake Como is much better in the warmer months. It will be busier, but that's ok.

Absolutely--do not try Como earlier than late April--May is better. Your idea of planning 2 trips in advance is well founded.

Thanks so much. It sure makes the Italy trip easier and more compact not trying to do that long leg up north.

I would suggest the Provence/Lake Como trip in early June if possible. The crowds are much smaller and the temperatures more pleasant.

Steve

You've gotten lots of good viewpoints so far; here are some other points to consider:

- Nice to Como is a further hike than Como-Florence, especially considering travel routes. Consider how you'll get from place to place. I know that the drop fee for rental cars from Italy to France is huge (I've paid it!), and it may be the case as well from France to Italy; the train routes may be more direct from Florence/Venice to Como than from Provence. Anyway, consider transportation time and money in making your plans and itinerary.

- The weather thing is a big factor; can't get around the fact that Como is nicer in the spring/summer. Also look into whether the boats, etc. are running in early spring.

- Your trip in Provence may be largely rural; Como is obviously more rural as well. How do you feel about a succession of rural areas over 2 weeks, vs. a combination of cities and countryside? And looking at the Rome/Tuscany/Florence/Venice portion, while Tuscany is obviously more rural, you might want to consider some time in Lake Como after visiting Venice or Florence.

- Also consider where you're flying into and out of. Let's say you fly into Rome and out of Milan; Como is relatively close to Milan. Same for adding it to the Provence trip. Let's say into Nice and out of Milan.

- And lastly, I know you said Lake Como is a must-see for you, and I know that me and my husband are in a minority, but WHY is it a must-see? Every place you mentioned ranks much higher (for me) as a must-see than Como, whether for beauty, culture, or great food. Anyway, consider whether it's worth the time and distance to you (especially if you add it to the Provence trip).

BUT any way you do it, you'll have two wonderful trips!

Lexma:
You've perfectly captured our frustrations with trying to work in Lake Como. Having worked out a detailed itinerary for our Italy trip, I balk every time I try to steal time from one place to fit in a northern diversion.

So Lake Como will be moved to the Provence trip. (I'm sure we'll run into the same frustrations when we start laying out the itin for Provence! LOL!)

If you already know this area, forgive me, but the recent Budget Travel magazine July/August issue has a fairly extensive article called "Charming Provence" featuring places to stay in various towns.

Suze: Thanks so much. I'll pick it up tomorrow!