3 weeks: Frace, Italy, Greece or just France and Italy?

I have not been to Greece, but it is a loooonnnggg way from France and Italy, and there is so much to do in those two countries, why spread yourself so thin? We spent 3 weeks in Italy and it wasn't sufficient. :-) We have to go back this year. If you have your airline tickets, frankly I'd get going on an itinerary and reservations for lodging. June will be busy. Can't speak to France as I have not rented a car there, but Paris, Rome, Florence and Venice are all no-car-required locations. You might even want to fly from Paris to Rome, Florence, or Venice as it is a long drive or train trip. Maybe you could rent a car when leaving Florence and spend a few days in a Tuscan hill town. It is fun to see the countryside with your own vehicle on day trips. I love the planning stage. Have fun with it!

It would be a bit much to try to squeeze in Greece. You'll have plenty to see in France and Italy. Greece takes long travel times given how far flung are the islands. And I wouldn't go just for Athens.

Laurie, I'd suggest limiting your trip to France and Italy this time. There's MORE than enough there to keep you busy for three weeks! As this is your first trip, I'd highly recommend reading Europe Through The Back Door prior to your trip. June is not far away, so I'd suggest getting an Itinerary sorted quickly! That time of year is the start of peak travel season, so you might consider pre-booking at least some of your lodgings. With such a short trip, renting a car might not be the best idea. It's NOT a good idea to drive in Paris, Rome or Florence! You'll have to contend with tolls, high fuel prices, ZTL's & parking. One important point to note is that for driving in Italy, each driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! Have a look at This Website for more detailed information. You may also want to search other Posts here regarding the Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many towns in Italy. EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! A GPS along with a good Map would also be a good idea. Be sure to also give some thought to the question of CDW. If you accept the CDW offered by the rental firm, it will be expensive but will provide "peace of mind". Some "premium" credit cards provide rental vehicle insurance, however I've found this to be somewhat complicated so I just accept that offered by the rental firm. Check the Car Rental section in Europe Through The Back Door for further information. Happy travels!

Laurie, Where in France has your daughter been studying? Where were you hoping to meet? Where does your daughter have her return ticket from? Do you have your ticket - airports in Europe flying in / out of? I agree about just sticking to France and Italy this time. It sounds like your trip is one of the few cases where I would recommend a 2nd class Eurail pass (France-Italy), since you rightly plan to include the major cities. I would plan on using the train between each city. Here's food for thought: Pick one spot in France and one spot in Italy from which you will rent a car for 2 or 3 days each. Head to small towns and villages for those 2-3 days each. If I were you, for a first trip, I'd skip renting a car in Italy and only do it in France. For France, my hands-down rec would be to arrive by train to the TGV station in Avignon and pick up and drop-off the car right there. Then bop around Provence for 3 days. Also, keep youth hostels in mind for accommodations: in Florence, for example, I like the Accademy Hostel. If lucky, they may have a private twin room left to book for your dates.

I am with Doug on this one. Leave Greece for another visit. We did Greece two summers ago. Loved it We were there for almost a month and didn't have enough time. We did get a good flavor for the country and will return. Santorini. Hydra and Athens is all we could fit in. Last summer was Holland/Germany/Belguim. Amsterdam, then France and Italy are our destinations this year for 14 Jun-12 Jul. Planning now and thanks all those here with suggestions on this post. Most helpful. Enjoy you holiday.
Frank and Ann

Thanks so much for all of the advice! I do need to get going on these travel plans, and it helps immensly to know to narrow it down to France and Italy. In answer to the question of where my daughter is studying, she is in Dijon, which is about a 1 1/2 hour train ride SE of Paris. We have already booked flights in and out of Paris so that will probably help determine our route. If we want to visit the Tuscany region, is that accessible by train? Thanks again!

Yes you can get to Tuscany by train. Florence and Siena are both bigger cities/towns and make good bases. You can stay in one and visit the other as well. This is a good place to have a car, although not to drive in Florence or up in the hill town of Siena. The car is to daytrip to smaller hill towns like Montepulciano, Pienza, Cortona, Montalcino, Volterra, etc. Get an idea of what you want to do and see first, then decide if a car is worthwhile. If you just want to experience Florence and Siena, no car required. Rick Steves' books alway include information on connections so you can determine if busses and trains will serve you or if you need a car.

Thanks, Laurel. This has helped so much! We are beginning to formulate a plan! And, I have read Europe Through the Back Door and will be picking up Rick's France and Italy books this weekend. This is so exciting!