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I can't decide what to do

Posted by (Lawrenceville, GA, USA) on

I am doing two weeks in France and Italy. France is taken care of. The Italy leg is giving me problems.

I fly into Milan where I spend one night there, then I was to spend two nights in Florence, followed by three nights in Rome. Trains would take me from Milan to Florence, and then Florence to Rome.

I am having a great deal of difficulty finding hotels in Florence or hostels that are decent and I may be too late to get reservations at the Uffizi gallery. Keep in mind, I was to be in Florence August 8-9 of next month (whole trip was planned last minute I am a newbie to Europe travel).

For you veterans, should I
(a) somehow try to salvage my trip to Florence for 2 days (suggestions welcome) or
(b) whatever you think I should do with those two nights instead of Florence (extra Rome, Naples, Venice, etc.). I am very open-minded.

Posted by
67 posts

if you can manage to fit in, do lake como!! we just got back from a 10 day visit and that was my favorite place in italy. RS recommends Varenna and he is absolutely right!! one of the best places to visit.

Posted by
964 posts

Hi RD,
There's a web site I have used frequently, it's booking.com & they show quite a few hotels in Florence with rooms for the 8-9 August (I just checked).
Good luck!

Posted by
160 posts

RD,

I would definately salvage Florence. Try the hotel balcony. We stayed there a few times and it is clean, safe, centrally located and reasonably priced. It is close to the Duomo and the train station. florence is beautiful with so much to see, it is a definate must see.

Posted by
30 posts

Hi RD, I'm also going to Europe for the first time. Two places you can check out to stay is The Beehive, in Florernce (you can do a search), & the second place is Hostel Archi Rossi, Florence. This is where I'm staying, and I checked this morning they still have some availability for $36.00 US per night

Regarding the Uffizzi from everything I have read I would recommend reserving your ticket.
I called Italy, yesterday & got reservations for the day & time I wanted. 011 39 (0) 55 294 883- reservation line from Canada
It was a simple three min. call, & it will certainly be worth it, if I don't have to waste my time in a line-up in the hot sun.
Have a great trip!

Posted by
79 posts

Thanks everyone,

I booked two nights at Hostel Harmony for 40 euros per night (private room). Thanks for all the help.

Posted by
32206 posts

RD, did you get the reservations to the Uffizi Gallery sorted? If not you can either use the phone or net options (I believe Rick has these listed?) or perhaps your Hotel could make them for you?

In any case, it would be a good idea to get reservations soon!

You indicated that you're a "newbie" to European travel, so I'd suggest that you read at least the "Rail Skills" chapter in Europe Through The Back Door befoe you leave. There are a few "pitfalls" to train travel that you should be aware of (for example, not having a reservation on a route where this is compulsory - this will result in an expensive fine ON THE SPOT!).

Cheers!

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