Revised 5 week trip with dd
May 18th, 2008, 11:09 AM
#101
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Since you are no longer locked in to your time in Otranto, maybe you want to completely re-think the itinerary to spend less time travelling and do the Northern part when the weather is better - start in the Netherlands, train to Germany, Austria, then Italy, and fly back from Italy to London.
You could do your tutoring in the 2nd and 3rd week or over 4th week in October. The only real problem I see about redoing your existing itinerary is that it is Oktoberfest from September 20 through October 5th, and you'll never get into a hotel in Munich at that time if you don't already have reservations.
You could do your tutoring in the 2nd and 3rd week or over 4th week in October. The only real problem I see about redoing your existing itinerary is that it is Oktoberfest from September 20 through October 5th, and you'll never get into a hotel in Munich at that time if you don't already have reservations.
May 22nd, 2008, 12:50 PM
#103
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Okay - perhaps we are onto something now...
The first part of our trip remains the same - I have flights out of Baden Baden and we are flying to Rome on Oct. 4.
Oct 4 Rome
Oct 5 train to Florence
Oct 5 - Oct 11 Florence - rented apartment through Perfect Italy one week classes 10-12 two on one tutor. The rest of the day left to explore.
Oct 11 - ???
Oct 12 - 18 Lucca - two on one classes 10 - 12 - rented apartment
Oct 18 - Oct 25 ???
Oct 25 train to Salzburg
Oct 25 - Oct 28 Salzburg
Oct 28 - Oct 31 Munich
Oct 31 - November 4 London
Okay - so here is the latest question - where to go October 18- Oct 25
We want to stay in Italy - and continue to practice our Italian.
I would like to stay some place where I can meet up with dh who hopefully will be joining us for that week.
I was toying with training up to Milan and meeting dh there - and headed to the Lake Como area but have read mixed reviews of that time of year there?
Spending 3 nights there and then taking a train to Venice for 4 nights...
Any thoughts?
The first part of our trip remains the same - I have flights out of Baden Baden and we are flying to Rome on Oct. 4.
Oct 4 Rome
Oct 5 train to Florence
Oct 5 - Oct 11 Florence - rented apartment through Perfect Italy one week classes 10-12 two on one tutor. The rest of the day left to explore.
Oct 11 - ???
Oct 12 - 18 Lucca - two on one classes 10 - 12 - rented apartment
Oct 18 - Oct 25 ???
Oct 25 train to Salzburg
Oct 25 - Oct 28 Salzburg
Oct 28 - Oct 31 Munich
Oct 31 - November 4 London
Okay - so here is the latest question - where to go October 18- Oct 25
We want to stay in Italy - and continue to practice our Italian.
I would like to stay some place where I can meet up with dh who hopefully will be joining us for that week.
I was toying with training up to Milan and meeting dh there - and headed to the Lake Como area but have read mixed reviews of that time of year there?
Spending 3 nights there and then taking a train to Venice for 4 nights...
Any thoughts?
May 22nd, 2008, 01:29 PM
#106
Either a week at Saena Iulia in Siena:
http://www.saenaiulia.it/italian-lan...cany-italy.php
or Il Sasso in Montepulciano:
http://www.ilsasso.com/eng/index.php
They both offer other activities such as cooking, art, etc.
Ryan Air has some cheap flights (about 140€ for your dates r/t for two) from Pisa to Trapani, Sicily. There are several language schools there if you want to spend a week somewhere warmer.
http://www.solemar-sicilia.it/
http://www.saenaiulia.it/italian-lan...cany-italy.php
or Il Sasso in Montepulciano:
http://www.ilsasso.com/eng/index.php
They both offer other activities such as cooking, art, etc.
Ryan Air has some cheap flights (about 140€ for your dates r/t for two) from Pisa to Trapani, Sicily. There are several language schools there if you want to spend a week somewhere warmer.
http://www.solemar-sicilia.it/
May 22nd, 2008, 01:46 PM
#107
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I thought a lot about about Sicily think you might be onto something.
Dh is from there and might enjoy spending a week there with us.
I have not booked his flights as of yet - waiting till I really nail this down.
I was concered about going to Sicily alone with dd as I have read different things about the saftey.
Dh is from there and might enjoy spending a week there with us.
I have not booked his flights as of yet - waiting till I really nail this down.
I was concered about going to Sicily alone with dd as I have read different things about the saftey.
May 23rd, 2008, 03:36 AM
#110
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Oct 18 - Oct 25: Apartment in Venice!
DH can fly into VCE. On the 24th all go to Milan for dh departure on the 25th. You and dd continue on to Salzburg. This breaks up your long train ride.
-------------------------------------
Oct 11th: Go on to Lucca rather than do a one nighter somewhere else.
DH can fly into VCE. On the 24th all go to Milan for dh departure on the 25th. You and dd continue on to Salzburg. This breaks up your long train ride.
-------------------------------------
Oct 11th: Go on to Lucca rather than do a one nighter somewhere else.
May 23rd, 2008, 06:29 AM
#111
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JeanneB - I have heard mixed reviews on a week in Venice - you think that is not too much time? I had thought to do exactly that. Keeps it simple and limits the constant moving.
I have not found an apartment in Lucca yet so I will see if I can get it to check in on that Sat.
Was not sure if we would want to do a quick one nighter someplace...
I have not found an apartment in Lucca yet so I will see if I can get it to check in on that Sat.
Was not sure if we would want to do a quick one nighter someplace...
May 23rd, 2008, 11:27 AM
#112
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Oh, what I would give for a whole week in Venice! I can't imagine what could be wrong with it. You'd have time to visit the islands and really explore so many of the places I've never made it to.
The weather should be lovely when you're there. We arrived in Italy on Nov 1 last year and had nice sunny days. You might want to look into the Acqua Alta in October. (Not to discourage you. I've always thought it sounded like fun.)
-------------------------
Re: the one-nighter.
Maybe I'm reading it wrong. You leave the Florence apartment on the 11th (after class?), then have to be in Lucca on the 12th for a class beginning at 10am?
It would also help to know how much luggage the two of you will have.
The weather should be lovely when you're there. We arrived in Italy on Nov 1 last year and had nice sunny days. You might want to look into the Acqua Alta in October. (Not to discourage you. I've always thought it sounded like fun.)
-------------------------
Re: the one-nighter.
Maybe I'm reading it wrong. You leave the Florence apartment on the 11th (after class?), then have to be in Lucca on the 12th for a class beginning at 10am?
It would also help to know how much luggage the two of you will have.
May 23rd, 2008, 12:55 PM
#113
Doesn't the language school arrange housing? Most I've looked at give you a choice of hotels, apartments, or home stays.
Have you searched for trip reports for Lucca? I remember someone posting one a year or two ago where they stayed in an apartment for a couple of weeks.
Have you searched for trip reports for Lucca? I remember someone posting one a year or two ago where they stayed in an apartment for a couple of weeks.
May 23rd, 2008, 01:58 PM
#114
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Yes, they can arrange housing. I am a little anal and am also looking on my own. I have heard mixed reviews. I did like the housing from the school in Sicily and am leaning towards that idea.
We are traveling with two 22 inch suitcases.
I cannot live through what I did last time we went to Europe. See: too much luggage. Most of us that do it - only do it once.
I have a bad back and dd is only 11 - I cannot travel heavy. It is what it is.
We are traveling with two 22 inch suitcases.
I cannot live through what I did last time we went to Europe. See: too much luggage. Most of us that do it - only do it once.
I have a bad back and dd is only 11 - I cannot travel heavy. It is what it is.
May 23rd, 2008, 01:59 PM
#115
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Oh and yes, I have searched a few times for Lucca on the board and come up with a few options. One place that gets high reviews here and on Slowtravel has not responded to many emails.
May 23rd, 2008, 05:24 PM
#116
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Mom - You gave up on Otranto because of logistical difficulties.
If you decide to go to Sicily from Lucca, and then to Salzburg, I think you're getting yourself in the same difficulty.
How about some combination of Parma, Bologna, Verona, Vicenza (study the architecture of Palladio), Venice or Bolzano for your uncommitted week? These all take you in the right direction. Going to/from Sicily will kill two days, and not be very easy.
If you decide to go to Sicily from Lucca, and then to Salzburg, I think you're getting yourself in the same difficulty.
How about some combination of Parma, Bologna, Verona, Vicenza (study the architecture of Palladio), Venice or Bolzano for your uncommitted week? These all take you in the right direction. Going to/from Sicily will kill two days, and not be very easy.
May 26th, 2008, 08:31 AM
#117
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I think I have decided to just put myself in a straight jacket.
The entire thing is starting to give me hives.
I have decided to completely pull back. I am too worried about being ambitous with my eleven year old daughter who gets sick very easily, is recovering from a serious foot surgery (and for all reasons this will be 6 months post op so all should be well enough for her to get around but not too ambitious).
I will be armed with meds from her Dr. here - but still - I think I am crazy to think that she can pull off what I had in mind and ENJOY it in the process.
So with that in mind here is what the current (what is this the 20th plan???) deal is:
The beginning of the trip remains the same minus the orginal idea to train to Bruge the night we arrive. (gee that was a bad idea).
September 25 - Depart LAX
September 26 arrive LHR 2:40 pm
Staying at the Wardolf on points
Euro Star at 10:00 am
September 27, 28 Brugge
We are staying here:www.huyzehertsberge.be
September 29 Haarlem - Ann Frank house
September 30 Haarlem
Staying here in Haarlem - I know that most would have stayed in AMS but after a lot of thought/reading I have opted to stay in Haarlem:
http://www.stempelsinhaarlem.nl/index.php?lang=en
It is 215.00 E total for the two nights.
October 1 we will leave for Baden Baden - stopping in Cologne for a few hours and then onto Baden Baden where we will stay:
October 1, 2, 3, departing on the 4th.
We will not arrive till early evening on the 1.
We are going to go to the more modest of the two baths, perhaps train to Strasbourg and just enjoy.
We are staying at http://www.hotel-am-markt-baden.de/ for 80 Euros a night including breakfast.
We fly to Rome on October 4 on Ryan air from Baden Baden.
Oct. 4-5 Rome
Hotel Aberdeen (thank you on this board for the recommendation)
Oct 5 - 18 Florence - language school 2 hours a day during the week for two weeks. Two on one lessons 10 - 12.
Apartment through Peferct Italy
Oct 18 - Oct 28????
I really am torn at this point on what to fill in here.
Part of me would like to train to Venice spend time there, continue as planned to Salzburg and Munich and spend time there..and then onto London.
I am really still unsure. Sort of all over the map.
I have thought about training through France and down to Spain then catching a flight to London... I have to decide.
Oct. 28 - November 4 I have decided to spend the week in London renting a flat.
So right now 3 weeks are planned to be in apartments - to limit the moving about.
The first week is "moving" a lot to me - but hopefully there is enough rest built in.
We are traveling with two 21 or 22 inch suitcases. I have to double check on the size and a carry on type bag each.
The packing has been concerned due to the weather changes over the time period we are there.
So that is the latest.
At some point - it will all be settled... maybe on Sept. 25 when we leave??
Thanks again one and all for the great feedback and the constant paitence you have shown me.
The entire thing is starting to give me hives.
I have decided to completely pull back. I am too worried about being ambitous with my eleven year old daughter who gets sick very easily, is recovering from a serious foot surgery (and for all reasons this will be 6 months post op so all should be well enough for her to get around but not too ambitious).
I will be armed with meds from her Dr. here - but still - I think I am crazy to think that she can pull off what I had in mind and ENJOY it in the process.
So with that in mind here is what the current (what is this the 20th plan???) deal is:
The beginning of the trip remains the same minus the orginal idea to train to Bruge the night we arrive. (gee that was a bad idea).
September 25 - Depart LAX
September 26 arrive LHR 2:40 pm
Staying at the Wardolf on points
Euro Star at 10:00 am
September 27, 28 Brugge
We are staying here:www.huyzehertsberge.be
September 29 Haarlem - Ann Frank house
September 30 Haarlem
Staying here in Haarlem - I know that most would have stayed in AMS but after a lot of thought/reading I have opted to stay in Haarlem:
http://www.stempelsinhaarlem.nl/index.php?lang=en
It is 215.00 E total for the two nights.
October 1 we will leave for Baden Baden - stopping in Cologne for a few hours and then onto Baden Baden where we will stay:
October 1, 2, 3, departing on the 4th.
We will not arrive till early evening on the 1.
We are going to go to the more modest of the two baths, perhaps train to Strasbourg and just enjoy.
We are staying at http://www.hotel-am-markt-baden.de/ for 80 Euros a night including breakfast.
We fly to Rome on October 4 on Ryan air from Baden Baden.
Oct. 4-5 Rome
Hotel Aberdeen (thank you on this board for the recommendation)
Oct 5 - 18 Florence - language school 2 hours a day during the week for two weeks. Two on one lessons 10 - 12.
Apartment through Peferct Italy
Oct 18 - Oct 28????
I really am torn at this point on what to fill in here.
Part of me would like to train to Venice spend time there, continue as planned to Salzburg and Munich and spend time there..and then onto London.
I am really still unsure. Sort of all over the map.
I have thought about training through France and down to Spain then catching a flight to London... I have to decide.
Oct. 28 - November 4 I have decided to spend the week in London renting a flat.
So right now 3 weeks are planned to be in apartments - to limit the moving about.
The first week is "moving" a lot to me - but hopefully there is enough rest built in.
We are traveling with two 21 or 22 inch suitcases. I have to double check on the size and a carry on type bag each.
The packing has been concerned due to the weather changes over the time period we are there.
So that is the latest.
At some point - it will all be settled... maybe on Sept. 25 when we leave??
Thanks again one and all for the great feedback and the constant paitence you have shown me.
May 26th, 2008, 01:05 PM
#119
The former von Trapp family home outside Salzburg will open as a hotel in July 2008. The home was purchased after WWII by a missionary order. The developers of "Villa Trapp" are making no alterations other than painting and rewiring.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24599913/#story
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24599913/#story
May 26th, 2008, 02:32 PM
#120
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Regarding dh - it is up in the air. He may or may not. I cannot plan the trip around his schedule. There
are a few work things that might not make it able for him to join us.
I am very stressed about being away from him for 5 weeks - I realize it is not that long, but we have never been apart for that length of time and I will miss him.
I am trying to not let anxiety over take this trip. I just had lunch with my cousin and she has traveled a lot without her spouse and he was at lunch too and they kept assuring me it would be fine.
I am a nervous nelly anyway - and just work on it not "ruling" my life.
are a few work things that might not make it able for him to join us.
I am very stressed about being away from him for 5 weeks - I realize it is not that long, but we have never been apart for that length of time and I will miss him.
I am trying to not let anxiety over take this trip. I just had lunch with my cousin and she has traveled a lot without her spouse and he was at lunch too and they kept assuring me it would be fine.
I am a nervous nelly anyway - and just work on it not "ruling" my life.
