Currently we are aiming for next April 2008. We won't know a definite answer to nail down an exact timeline til the new year. Is that time enough to still get good accomodations in the popular regions along with airline tickets? Just curious, it's been awhile since I've planned a big vacation and don't want to get shut out.
Thanks
April is a great time to go. The summertime horde of tourists haven't shown up yet, it's cool, and prices are better. I would suggest that around late November or early December, start keeping an eye on airfare, so you have an idea of what the normal price is. I use Orbitz for this. Other people use Travelocity or Expedia. Then, when a sale is announced, and you can see that it is a good price, jump on it. Once you've got that taken care of, start arranging your hotels (if you're the type to make reservations ahead of time). There shouldn't be much of a problem with reserving a hotel in April.
I always travel to Europe March/April for work and spend a few extra days there on holiday. I find it's a great time of year, I have always been lucky with the weather - just mild and little rain and the attractions are not too busy. I generally only book a month or so in advance and only once or twice have have missed out on the hotel I wanted to stay in. I agree with the above to check things out Nov/Dec. you're alirline deal will probably be better.
I have traveled in France/Italy in April twice in the past few years. Early April is still chilly in France, but perfect in most of Italy. You may find that airfares are less if you fly the end of March rather than the beginning of April. You might consider beginning your trip in Italy, then moving north as the season progresses. When you have your flight dates nailed down, start looking for hotel/B&B reservations. For most hotels that is plenty of time.
