Critique My Tentative Itinerary to Europe

[LaurenThePartier]

Date: 2/26/2008 10:36:44 PM
Author: lovewhitediamonds
Lauren-- what a wonderful trip you have planned!!!
We stayed at Le Sirenuse for our honeymoon and it was the most beautiful place ... the restaurant there is TO DIE FOR.
Some of the hotel is shown in the movie ''Only You'' with Marissa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr.

If you can fit in an afternoon to Capri, I would highly recommend it. There is also a restaurant in Positano that is set in cave.. very cool, although I can''t remember the name of it (sorry).

Have fun!!

I heard of Le Sirenuse for the first time on PS, so maybe it was you thta was in my last thread . . . I''ll have to go back and check when it''s not after 10 pm.

That cave restaurant sounds neat! If you can remember how we get there, that would be awesome!

 

[lovewhitediamonds]

I am still trying to find something on the cave restaurant (it was off the beaten path -- the concierge will know)

Here''s a LINK to the restaurant at Le Sirenuse, and another LINK to a restaurant we also liked. You might want to check out another hotel down the street from Le Sirenuse ... Il San Pietro LINK it''s beautiful too.

Enjoy!

 

[Elmorton]

Oooh - more on Florence hotels if A Casa di Dante isn''t for you/or isn''t available - I would stay on the Duomo side of the river, personally (much more to do on that side, even though the Pitti Palace should NOT be missed - it''s wonderful as are the gorgeous grounds and views). My in-laws stayed right by the Uffizi and HATED it because there is a small market (selling touristy items, not cool stuff) there and set up started at roughly 5am. The apartment I stayed at was on Borgo Ognissanti (which is relatively close to Santa Maria Novella) - and there was a beautiful, more expensive hotel across the street. Definitely wander over to that neighborhood - sounds strange, but there is a Tapas bar that is asbsolutely to die for (a person can get bored with Italian...unlikely, I know...) and the sangria is the best I''ve ever had I''d also stay clear from any hotels that border the San Lorenzo area, as the San Lorenzo market is huge and very loud and really tacky (I was there when Britney was becoming big, and the sellers would yell out things like "Baby hit me one more time" to get your attention). However, as the San Lorenzo market ends, there''s a really big square building, and inside is a fresh foods market that is pretty cool to go see.

For nightlife - there is a bar right next to the Duomo (if you''re facing it, it''s kinda across from the baptistery and to your right) where mostly Americans go, but it''s very chill and has tables on a balcony that overlooks the square. It was one of my favorite places to go, have a drink, and just people watch as I talked with friends.

I''m glad you''ve changed your plans to a longer stay in Florence - I just love the city, and even if you decide you''ve had enough art, churches, and sightseeing, it''s a great place to leave your suitcase at the hotel and head to somewhere else for the day. I second a visit to capri if you can (missed out on going last time I was there and I think that was a mistake), but a small beach town Viareggio is relatively close via train and pretty lively (although, I don''t know what the temps are in March? Probably too cold...I remember my first couple days in mid-May had been drizzly and not beach weather). While Pisa is cool to see, I remember thinking that two hours there was entirely too long (there is NOTHING there, really - the bishop''s glass tomb is kinda cool, but other than that and the tower...) to be stuck there, and Siena is definitely more interesting for a day trip. I also enjoyed going to Verona - the Romeo and Juliet stuff is sooo hokey and more like a tribute to the 70''s movie, but the town itself is actually pretty cool and it was a fun day trip, too (I think it was about 45 mins-1 hr train ride from Florence). There''s also an amazing estate with gardens that is so perfectly Italian and shouldn''t be missed...I forget what it''s called, but it will be in pretty much any tuscany guidebook, I''m sure. Verona also has a neat little version of its own colliseum.

So jealous! You''ll need to post pics in the travel eye-candy thread, ya know

 

[Linda W]

Lauren,

Rick and I loved Munich, the good there was great. Wish you could visit Austria. It is GORGEOUS. We did not want to leave there at all. It is simply breathtaking there.

I promise I won''t take up much room, can you fit me in your suitcase???????

Linda

 

[Dogmom]

Stuttgart = boring. (I don''t know about the Porsche museum.)

 

[bee*]

Date: 2/27/2008 3:30:27 PM
Author: Dogmom
Stuttgart = boring. (I don''t know about the Porsche museum.)

I''ve been to Stuttgart also and there really isn''t much to do there. We didn''t go to the Porsche museum either.


Hey TGal, why won''t they cover you driving in Ireland-we''re great drivers

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 2/27/2008 4:24:35 PM
Author: bee*

Date: 2/27/2008 3:30:27 PM
Author: Dogmom
Stuttgart = boring. (I don''t know about the Porsche museum.)

I''ve been to Stuttgart also and there really isn''t much to do there. We didn''t go to the Porsche museum either.


Hey TGal, why won''t they cover you driving in Ireland-we''re great drivers

In Ireland, I don''t think the drivers are the issue. It''s the crazy sheep and narrow roads with the tall hedges that will get ya. I''m mean, would YOU want to insure the freaked out tourists driving up on Conors Pass? I don''t think so...

 

[bee*]

Date: 2/27/2008 4:30:37 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 2/27/2008 4:24:35 PM

Author: bee*

Date: 2/27/2008 3:30:27 PM

Author: Dogmom

Stuttgart = boring. (I don''t know about the Porsche museum.)

I''ve been to Stuttgart also and there really isn''t much to do there. We didn''t go to the Porsche museum either.



Hey TGal, why won''t they cover you driving in Ireland-we''re great drivers

In Ireland, I don''t think the drivers are the issue. It''s the crazy sheep and narrow roads with the tall hedges that will get ya. I''m mean, would YOU want to insure the freaked out tourists driving up on Conors Pass? I don''t think so...

No definitely not on Conors Pass! It''s a bit of a ropey drive!

 

[hisdiamondgirl]

Well, I missed this thread the first time around (umm yesterday

) and was about to post that you should definitely spend more time in Rome, which is one my favoritetest

cities in the world, but I see you've already done that!

So....that said, I guess I really have no advice

Sounds wonderful and I know you'll have the greatest time!!

 

[Harriet]

How much time will you be spending in Pisa? We spent 2 hours day and thought that was more than enough. Way more.

 

[LaurenThePartier]

Date: 2/28/2008 1:08:05 AM
Author: Harriet
How much time will you be spending in Pisa? We spent 2 hours day and thought that was more than enough. Way more.

Sorry, I have been sick the last couple of days not able to respond.

I think we''re going to stay in Lucca, day trip to Pisa, then move on to Siena. Sound good?

 

[LaurenThePartier]

Date: 2/27/2008 1:10:39 PM
Author: Elmorton
Oooh - more on Florence hotels if A Casa di Dante isn''t for you/or isn''t available - I would stay on the Duomo side of the river, personally (much more to do on that side, even though the Pitti Palace should NOT be missed - it''s wonderful as are the gorgeous grounds and views). My in-laws stayed right by the Uffizi and HATED it because there is a small market (selling touristy items, not cool stuff) there and set up started at roughly 5am. The apartment I stayed at was on Borgo Ognissanti (which is relatively close to Santa Maria Novella) - and there was a beautiful, more expensive hotel across the street. Definitely wander over to that neighborhood - sounds strange, but there is a Tapas bar that is asbsolutely to die for (a person can get bored with Italian...unlikely, I know...) and the sangria is the best I''ve ever had I''d also stay clear from any hotels that border the San Lorenzo area, as the San Lorenzo market is huge and very loud and really tacky (I was there when Britney was becoming big, and the sellers would yell out things like ''Baby hit me one more time'' to get your attention). However, as the San Lorenzo market ends, there''s a really big square building, and inside is a fresh foods market that is pretty cool to go see.

For nightlife - there is a bar right next to the Duomo (if you''re facing it, it''s kinda across from the baptistery and to your right) where mostly Americans go, but it''s very chill and has tables on a balcony that overlooks the square. It was one of my favorite places to go, have a drink, and just people watch as I talked with friends.

I''m glad you''ve changed your plans to a longer stay in Florence - I just love the city, and even if you decide you''ve had enough art, churches, and sightseeing, it''s a great place to leave your suitcase at the hotel and head to somewhere else for the day. I second a visit to capri if you can (missed out on going last time I was there and I think that was a mistake), but a small beach town Viareggio is relatively close via train and pretty lively (although, I don''t know what the temps are in March? Probably too cold...I remember my first couple days in mid-May had been drizzly and not beach weather). While Pisa is cool to see, I remember thinking that two hours there was entirely too long (there is NOTHING there, really - the bishop''s glass tomb is kinda cool, but other than that and the tower...) to be stuck there, and Siena is definitely more interesting for a day trip. I also enjoyed going to Verona - the Romeo and Juliet stuff is sooo hokey and more like a tribute to the 70''s movie, but the town itself is actually pretty cool and it was a fun day trip, too (I think it was about 45 mins-1 hr train ride from Florence). There''s also an amazing estate with gardens that is so perfectly Italian and shouldn''t be missed...I forget what it''s called, but it will be in pretty much any tuscany guidebook, I''m sure. Verona also has a neat little version of its own colliseum.

So jealous! You''ll need to post pics in the travel eye-candy thread, ya know

Wow, Elmo! Very, very good info - I really appreciate your help. I think we''re going to have a much better trip just because of all of these ideas.

Thank you!

 

[LaurenThePartier]

Date: 2/27/2008 3:30:27 PM
Author: Dogmom
Stuttgart = boring. (I don''t know about the Porsche museum.)

Well, we''re skipping it, now - saving it for another time. We''re flying to Rome the day after we land in Frankfurt so we can get more time in Italy.

It''s one of those things that would be awesome for me - I''m (hopefully) ordering a Cayman S sometime soon, so how cool would it be to be able to test drive one on Porsche''s test track?

 

[LaurenThePartier]

OK, anorther update . . .

March 14th 5:00 am - arrive in Frankfurt

March 15th - travel to Rome - (airfare is 30 EU each on www.skyeurope.com, so we''ll probably travel by air a lot) - Stay 2 nights

March 17th - Travel to Positano/Sorrento, stay at Le Sirenuse (http://www.sirenuse.it/) for 3 nights

March 19th - 2 Days in Capri

March 21st - Fly back to Florence - 3 nights

March 24th - 2 nights in Lucca, day trips to Pisa and Siena

March 26th - Last day in Rome

March 27th - Come home!

 

[Independent Gal]

That sounds good too! Ah, Lucca. (sigh)

I really hate Florence. I just had to say that again. Randomly.

 

[TravelingGal]

Yup, that looks better. Can''t remember if it''s easier to day trip to Siena from Florence than Lucca. Personally, I''d rather stay overnight in Siena than Lucca though.

I''ll be interested in what you think of Capri. I opted to skip it.

 

[LaurenThePartier]

Date: 2/28/2008 2:52:37 PM
Author: Independent Gal
That sounds good too! Ah, Lucca. (sigh)

I really hate Florence. I just had to say that again. Randomly.

Hehe, no worries . . . I have lots of people on both sides of it.

I work with a guy who used to live in Italy who has told me we absolutely must not skip Florence, and then we have people who preferred Rome, or Cinque Terra (where is that, by the way?) and wouldn''t bother with Florence.

I''m skipping Venice intentionally, but if anyone has any reason why I should go, please feel free to post!

 

[julabean]

Why you should go to Venice in March: It is almost deserted! My cousins got married in late March in Venice in 2004. The weather may be a bit cold, but you have almost the entire city to yourself. You can take the water taxis to Murano to watch glass blowing. You can feed as many pigeons you want to in St. Peter''s. You can get lost and eat great great great food at just about anywhere. And you can stand on a bridge over a canal by yourself. Venice in March may sound dreary, but it was so nice.

That being said, I like your itinerary with Rome, Florence, Sienna, and Lucca. I adore all four cities. You can rent bikes to ride around the wall in Lucca. You can buy leather in Florence. You can eat on the piazza (BEST ONE IN EUROPE) in Sienna at dusk. Oh, I love Italy.

The Cinque Terre is on the northern coast of Italy. It''s a series of small towns all connected by paths. It''s kind of out of the way, but I hear it''s lovely! However, with everything you''re trying to do, I''d stick to the four/five cities you have. You''ll have more of a good time. And if you were going to take anything out, I''d take Capri out and spend one more day in Rome and one more day in the Positano area. I did a 3 week European trip a few years ago and sometimes the last thin you want to do is get on another plane!

And FYI: Stuttgart has a great art museum - save that info away for your future trip there! I think the town is kind of slow, but the museum was quite nice.

 

[TravelingGal]

Why Venice?

Hm...well, first of all, they say it may not be there in our children''s lifetimes. It''s sinking. But not sure how much that will be the case.

I traveled a lot around Europe before I got to Venice. At that point there wasn''t much that took my breath away, but Venice really did. It''s amazing...like nothing you''ve seen before! You don''t need to stay there for long...a couple of nights is fine and more than enough.

I went in February and March. We had fantastic sunny, brisk days there. While it certainly wasn''t deserted, it wasn''t as crazy as summer can be, I am sure. I''m talking daytime here...at night it was actually totally dead.

Venice is a tourist city. They call it the dead city because very few people actually LIVE there. Not too many great restaurants, that I can remember, and plenty of people willing to take your tourist buck. But I am SO glad I went. One of my favorite memories is buying some bread, cheese, wine and fresh fruit and having a picnic on the canal with gal I really hit it off with.

Oh, and Siena...go and pay the admission to take in the views from the panorama. It''s gorgeous close to sunset (see pic below).

 

[TravelingGal]

And biking around lucca...I agree, is a must! So fun! It''s not a big town inside those walls...

 

[lovewhitediamonds]

of course everyone will have differing opinions -- so, personally, Venice is a sight to see. So what if it''s touristy, so is Disney and who doesn''t love that? The history is incredible --the canals, the corner shops... Oooo I love Venice (been there 4x!)
I agree with Independent Gal -- Florence just didn''t do it for me... but again, everyone has different experiences and opinions...

but ahhh Venezia!

 

[princesss]

Florence! Oh my goodness. I'm in love with that city and actively plotting a way to live there. It's so beautiful, and the people are lovely. Make sure you hit the big leather market (touristy, but they bargain and it's fun) that's under the big...well, it's kind of a concrete canopy? I got a really pretty overnight/weekend bag there for not too much money. If you have money to burn, or just like to see beautiful clothing/bags/leather goods, there's a store by the Pitti Palace called Cassini (actually, I think it expanded to 3 stores) that carries beautiful stuff.

And if you do nothing else, walk around (especially the Ponte Vecchio) and eat. Eat, eat, eat.

ETA: I forgot to mention the day trip to the designer outlets. There's a bus from Florence that takes you there, but I think it only runs on weekends. I haven't done it, so if you do, tell me all about it!

 

[LaurenThePartier]

Hmmmm, I''ve always wanted to go to Venice, but my husband is kind of -eh- about it. I think we may save it for a future trip, but you all make very, very good arguments for why we should go.

Tgal, your pictures are awesome!

 

[LaurenThePartier]

Oh, I''ve heard you can buy copper cookware in Italy, and if anyone has any hints as to where I can buy some to ship back home, I''d be so appreciative!

 

[Independent Gal]

If you want to got to the outlets that Princesss mentioned, you can take a train from Florence to Montevarchi (40 mins?) then take a taxi. There they have Prada, Miu Miu, Jil Sander. Then there''s another town, about ten minutes further, where you can find a huge outlet area called ''The Mall'' where they have nearly everything else. Back in grad school, when the euro was trash and the dollar king, I had quite the shopping trips there. But these days, it ain''t so cheap anymore. You can still get Prada pumps for about $75 though. So nothign to sneeze at either.

 

[LaurenThePartier]

Date: 2/28/2008 9:30:22 PM
Author: Independent Gal
If you want to got to the outlets that Princesss mentioned, you can take a train from Florence to Montevarchi (40 mins?) then take a taxi. There they have Prada, Miu Miu, Jil Sander. Then there''s another town, about ten minutes further, where you can find a huge outlet area called ''The Mall'' where they have nearly everything else. Back in grad school, when the euro was trash and the dollar king, I had quite the shopping trips there. But these days, it ain''t so cheap anymore. You can still get Prada pumps for about $75 though. So nothign to sneeze at either.

I will definitely have to check this out!

My poor husband - he''ll be sooooo bored!

 

[LaurenThePartier]

So, I think this is closing in on my last iteration of this itinierary. We decided to move around less, and rent an awesome 17th century villa in Chianti for 4 days - if we can get it!


March 14th 5:00 am - arrive in Frankfurt, stay overnight

March 15th - travel to Rome - (airfare is 30 EU each on www.skyeurope.com, so we'll probably travel by air a lot) - Stay 2 nights

March 17th - Travel to Positano/Sorrento, stay at Le Sirenuse (http://www.sirenuse.it/) for 2 nights.

March 19th - Stay in Lucca, day trips to Siena and Pisa.

March 22nd - Drive to Florence - 4 nights in a villa in Chianti overlooking the vineyard and olive groves.

March 26th - Last day in Rome

March 27th - Come home

 

[Skippy123]

Wow, have a blast! I went to Italy for our honeymoon. My favorite was Como, Amalfi Coast and Florence! It honestly is all wonderful and be sure to take lots of pictures for us. I love Italy (it is my first love since that is where we honeymooned). hehe I am glad you gave yourself time in Rome because there is so much to see!

 

[Harriet]

Le Sirenuese looks gorgeous. Lucky you.

 

[ChargerGrrl]

hey lauren- great itinerary! it''s much tighter than your original one.

glad to hear that you''ll be flying quite a bit- certainly take advantage of the many budget airlines that serve europe. here''s a great website on budget air travel: http://www.whichbudget.com/

can''t wait to see your travel pics- i luuuv italy!