My daughter is in a collegestudy abroad program in Paris. She asked if I could join her on the school break for about 10-12 days to travel around Europe. I'd like to make this a memorable experience for her so aside from traveling to Rome to visit St Peter's and the Sistene Chapel which she said whe would like to do, what other truly memorable locations do you suggest. I need to make reservations soon. also I think it would be fun to stay in some convent and monasteries so do you know any good web sites that lists them.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO (formerly, Windermere, FL)
340 posts
What wonderful memories you will make! We have stayed in a convent in Rome and found it not only affordable but a safe, comfortable, quiet, clean, and interesting place to stay. Keep in mind that some have curfews. 2 good links for religious lodging throughout Italy are www.santasusanna.org (look under the "Coming to Rome" heading) and www.monasterystays.com. We stayed at Suore St. Elisabetta near termini and Roman Forum. Their email is [email protected].
With only 10 to 12 days you should probably limit your visit to 2 cities fitting in a day trip to maybe one more. Otherwise all of your time will be eaten up in travel from one location to another. Maybe Rome and Florence or Venice. Or go south and do Pompeii and Sorrento/Amalfi Coast. You should find reasonable fares for flights between Paris and Rome. Save travel time and fly to Rome and back to Paris from Florence, Venice, or Naples, taking a train between the 2 Italian cities.
Posted by
Lewiston, Idaho, USA
2092 posts
Kevin, in 1998 I did a similar trip at the end of March. Our daughter was studying at the University in Aix so I stayed with her in her dorm room for several nights then we took off for Rome for her 3-week break. After a few days in Rome (stayed at a hostel near the Vatican), we flew to Cairo for 4 nights then back when we immediately took the train to Florence. (Stayed at Casa Rabatti-- Marcella is an absolute sweetheart!) Then off to Venice! (Don't remember the name of the place we stayed but it's no longer in Rick's book and justifiably! We didn't care for how much snooping was going on or the 1-inch mold in the shower.) What great memories we have. I'm sure you will too!