Aussies2

We (husband and I aged late 50's - very fit) will be travelling to U.K. and Europe September thru to November, visiting relatives in the U.K. then going to go to France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, but would like to stop in France for 2 weeks and Italy for 2 weeks therefore need good and reaonsonably priced accommodation in both these places, i.e. France around the Provence area-perhaps a Gite, and Italy around the Tuscany area. We will be hiring a car to do all of our travelling in England and Europe, have heard that driving in Italy is a nightmare though, so am a bit apprehensive about that part. Also, is it cheaper to hire a car here in Australia before we go, or do it when we get to the U.K. and Europe? Oh, we will be stopping for 3 nights in London and Paris - any advise on good and reasonably priced accommodation would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Foderites.

Michael

Have you looked at Gites de France for both B&Bs and longer stays?

http://www.gites-de-france.com/gites/uk/bed_breakfasts

zoecat

Provence- I stayed here last fall and loved the apartment and the town of Laurmarin. It was also a great base for exploring the beautiful villages of Provence. There is a nice variety of place to eat in Laurmarin.

http://www.rentourhomeinprovence.com/

Tuscany- This is where I stay when visiting southern Tuscany. It's located just outside of Pienza.

http://www.fontebertusi.it/eng/

You may want to look at apartment review on this website-

http://www.slowtrav.com/france/vr/index.htm
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/shortcuts/

I believe it is cheaper to rent your car before you depart.

Enjoy your trip!

bettyk

Fodor's has a wealth of information, but I'm afraid your post is a little too broad to be of much help.

First, I suggest that you might do a search here for the names of some of the towns where you are interested in staying such as "Munich Hotels". Then check out the recommendations.

For Germany, check out www.bensbauernhof.com. Ben posts here regularly and his website has lots of great information such as trip reports, accommodation recommendations (many are inexpensive farm stays), etc.

In almost all instances, reserving a car before you arrive at your destination will be less expensive. You might also want to compare renting to some of the leasing opportunities out there. Check out www.autoeurope.com for the UK and www.gemut.com for Germany and continental Europe.

Also, for leasing info:

http://www.ebctravel.com/quotepage.h...FRIcawodp0tSNA

http://europeforvisitors.com/europe/...ar_leasing.htm

annhig

hi aussies

first of all, you might have a bit more luck with replies if you post separate threads for each main query - we like you risk being overwhelmed by your itinerary!

however, a few tips-

1. there are loads of threads about hotels in london and paris; some favour apartments even for such short stays. Alternatively, you might want to try priceline if you aren't too fussed about exactly where you are.

2. Gites in france, agritorismo in Italy. there are literally loads of agencies for both. you might like to look at slowtravel.com for reviews of good places and agencies, particularly in Italy.

3. Driving in Italy can be difficult but it is easier when you have a right-hand drive car. it won't be as bad in October as it would have been in August. loads of Brits do it every year, are you going to let us beat you????

4. Definitely hire before you leave [and probably pay too]. it should be much cheaper.

have a great trip,

regards, ann

lanejohann

try the bed and breakfasts in each village
you can get great accommodation and a wonderful local experience

kleeblatt

How about getting a smaller motor home?

ira

Hi aus,

Picking up a car in one country and dropping off in another usually entails a very high fee. You might want to look into the lease option. See http://www.autoeurope.com/buyback_home.cfm

You will need an International Driver's Permit for Italy, Get one from your equivalent of the US American Automobile Association.

Switzerland requires that you purchase a road tax sticker (vignette) to drive on the major highways. You can get one at the border.

It is usually cheaper to rent a car in advance.

Driving in Italy isn't exactly a nightmare, but it is verrry interestiing. You will want good maps and an alert navigator,

In Paris, we always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. From 134E dbl w/bkfst. It is just around the corner from Place St. Sulpice, near 3 metro stops and 4 bus routes. Has AC and an elevator.

The staff speaks English well, and is very helpful. The front desk is staffed 24/7

They can arrange a shuttle pickup to/from CDG for you.

Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67
[email protected]
www.hotelbonaparte.fr

For more info, enter "Hotel Bonaparte" in the "search the forum" box.

Enjoy your visit.

Aussies2

Wow, thank you very much for all your replies...now to do a bit of homework !! I will take all the advise on board - or maybe just do a round trip of Australia again (only joking), we are looking forward to our trip to Europe, and no, won't let the Pommies beat us with the driving in Italy !!! Thanks again folks.