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france/italy itinerary...cheap room suggestiions

My friend and I both don't have jobs after graduation and these plane tickets only cost $680 Boise to Paris and Venice to Boise so we made the spur of the moment decision to go to Europe for a few weeks and put off the real world.

The pressure is on to get hotel reservations which I barely started today. I'm so excited my mind is completely scattered. I had been planning for fall so I'm not really starting from scratch but I know there's a lot to do and think about. I would love advice on the itinerary and any things that I should take care of right away.

May 14 arrive Paris 6:40am 3 nights, Arles for 3 nights, Nice 2 nights (hoping to see the Grand Prix, are tickets req'd?), Milan 2 nights, Vernazza 3 nights, Florence 3 nights, Venice 3 nights, fly home June 2 at 11:00am.

Trains tickets are okay to book when we get there, right? I will make res'v to see the Last Supper, and Uffizi Gallery, any others?

Posted by
16252 posts

Yes, tickets are required for the Grand Prix. (Unless you know someone who owns a yacht berthed at the harbor.)

Posted by
120 posts

Check out Il Bargellino in Florence:

I haven't stayed there yet (I'm staying there May 7-10), but it has receieved rave reviews on tripadvisor.com

Also, Carmel, one of the owners has been quick to repond to all e-mails & helpful in securing our reservations to the Accademia & Uffizi.

HOTEL IL BARGELLINO
VIA GUELFA 87
50129 FLORENCE, ITALY
TEL. 39 055 238 2658
www.ilbargellino.com

Posted by
172 posts

You would save mega bucks by staying in hostels (HI Hostels, Backpacker, etc.) and most of them are very nice, but might require reservations in major cities. Also, be prepaired to spend alot of money to see the Grand Prix, tickets are hundreds of dollars and you cannot see any of the race without them, as all views are blocked. You can watch the time trials that take place in the few days before the race, from the palace grounds, for free. Just climb the wide paved road up and the view is on your left at the top. Also, if you are on the Riviera while the film fest is on (May 13-24), you might want to spend a few hours in Cannes - a real eye opener into a not so realistic world!!! Even the media must have to pass a beauty test to attend!!! This is THE major world film fest therefore it is packed with stars. Also, read Rick's book Europe Thru the Back Door. Have a great time!

Posted by
158 posts

Great suggestion on seeing the free trial races. We will probably take a half day trip to Cannes to check out the film festival, that sounds really fun.

I checked on the recommended Florence hotel. Awesome location and good price. Thank you!