Thinking about going to Italy for our 25th May 2005, any advice?

[tc]

I was planning a Disney cruise and WDW trip for our 25th anniversary, but realized I hadn't really discussed this with Stephen. And, after all, it's not my anniversary, but ours. We have always wanted to see Italy, so are considering doing that. (with a little WDW trip squeezed in that year). We have never traveled outside the US except for Stephen going to Mexico on Spring Break for high school mission trips to build houses.

What do we need to think about? Is May a good time? Where are good resources for lodging, airfare. Are tours a good idea, or doing stuff on our own?

We aren't looking to stay in high class places. We'd like to see how the real Italians live. Do they have B&B's there? I've heard about hostels, are these a good idea? Do we need a car? or can we do with busses, boats and trains.

I really have no idea where to start, so thought I'd start here.

So, start suggesting!!!!

 

[TimeforMe]

We, too, are planning a trip to Italy next year but are taking our kids (who will be 15 and 17 then). I've looked at a few "tours" and while they're quite expensive, I think they may be worth it. It depends though. They also have different "levels" of hotels, etc. Globus, I know, seems pretty comprehensive and has several different levels of service, tours, etc.

I'm interested to see what other ideas are out there as well. To me, it's too overwhelming to plan myself--even though I am a master planner I would first narrow it down to what areas/sights you definitely want to see and then take it from there.

 

[JoNo]

I lived there for a year, so let me try & help a bit...


If you plan on going in May, it'll be a beautiful time! A little advice though, if you plan on going out & doing things, I would suggest a rental car. Try to get a smaller alfa-romeo, peugot or fiat and you'll do good! also, gas is just a tad bit more there (when I lived there it was around $4.00 a gallon). my opinion is to go and explore! Don't be afraid, and whatever you do to prepare, remember a few coin phrases: Quanta costo? = How much (is it?)
Ciao, come stai? = hi, how are you?
Bene = good.
Gratzi = thanks.

my italian is a little rusty, so the spelling might not be right, but i'm sure you can pronounce it correctly

 

[tc]

Thanks for the info. I get such conflicting opinions on a rental car. I have as many people saying to get one as not. We are buying "How to Speak Italian" cd's so we can learn a little before we go.

Our main goal is to see as much as we can. I don't want to wing-it, but I don't want to over plan.

Thanks for the suggestions. Anyone else?

 

[tc]

Just bumping for the lunch time crowd.

Can anyone give me more info?

 

[missypie]

The folks who hang out on the "european talk" board at fodors.com are mostly nice and helpful (there are a few grouches, but don't let them bother you.) If I were you, I'd search some old posts on Italy - hotels, iteneraries, driving, etc., then post your own questions there.

 

[tc]

Thanks Missypie, I'll do that!

 

[missypie]

I'm trying to choose between Italy and Germany for our next European adventure, so you'll see me there, too.

 

[suzannen]

tc,
May is usually a very nice time to go. As far as whether to go with a tour or not depends on what you like. My DH & I decided not to do a tour because we did not want to be tied down with a group of folks that we might or might not like as well as we wanted a little more isay in where we stayed and where we ate. Meanwhile, my parents wouldn't think of doing anything other than a tour because they felt safer being part of a group and worried less.

On the advice of two friends who were travel agents and who both had car accidents in Italy (one blocked the Amalfi coast road for 3 hours!), we did not rent a car, but travelled by train and visited Milan, Venice, Florence, Naples, Positano and Rome. It was wonderful.

Most of our hotels were expensive, so maybe someone else can help there. It's a great trip!

 

[mmtdevlin]

Definitely visit Florence. My friend and i inter-railed through Italy in 2002 and florence was the most magical place. Sitting on the Ponte Vechio (sp?) bridge late at night listening to the buskers and taking in the atmosphere was soooo special.

martina