My son is graduating just outside Parma on October 5, 2011. Looking to travel to Venice on the 6th-7th perhaps. Need to fly back to US on the 12th and trying to fit in Rome, Pompei, Amalfi Coast...whatever we can. Decided to do this without an escorted tour...mind boggling. I have never been to Italy before. Also, there is a big problem because my son has two large rolling pieces of luggage, as he is there from May to October. Planning on trying to organize rails and local tours and transport. I was told it is extremely expensive to ship his luggage back. Quite a quandry!!! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :)
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2369 posts
Don't see how you can see Rome, Pompeii and Amalfi as it appears you will only have four days if you are in Venice through the seventh and you can't count on the 12th as a day as your flight probably leaves in AM. Suggest you just do Rome although I think you can take a bus trip to Pompeii from Rome for the day. Also shipping luggage back would be very costly, I don't know any way you can do this cheaply, maybe other posters can give you an idea.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11342 posts
Nancy,
That's a lot of territory to cover in 6 nights (6th-11th). What airport do you depart on the 12th? That will help shape the advice. Have you got Rick Steves' guide for Italy? Lots of great info there for planning as well as when you are actually in country. You may want to contact Mailboxes, Etc., which has locations all over Italy including Parma, and find out what it will really cost to ship those big suitcases. Call a US store and ask for their advice and an estimate. May be worth it.
Posted by
Huntington Beach CA
1116 posts
You can always try to put his large suitcases in the luggage storage that should be available in the big train stations. Have him pack a small bag for his needs for that week you're sightseeing, check in his suitcases on arrival into that town then check them out just before you catch the train to your next stop. With your limited time, I would definitely just focus on Venice and Rome. If you really want to see Pompeii, you can do a day trip there (Rick outlines it in his Rome book).
Posted by
Allentown, PA, USA
8 posts
With your time constraints, I'd keep your itinerary scaled back . I'd eliminate the Almafi Coast for sure. One other idea that may very well not be an option you'd like. Is the value of his suitcases and his clothing in them worth lugging around compared to dumping the suitcases and buying a backpack and keeping just enough to finish out his trip and whatever else fits in it ? You can fit alot if its packed right. He could even sell or donate the big luggage to another student.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4407 posts
I may have missed where you're flying out of Italy from, but I don't see it - Rome? You could go to Venice for 2 days and nights, then to Rome for the rest - perhaps squeezing in a day trip to Pompeii. You can store baggage at Venice S Lucia and Rome Termini and Tiburtina stations; IF your son can manage his luggage, you could just move it between those two places. Don't Forget To Pick It Up! Many airlines allow some amount of free checked luggage on international flights.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32214 posts
nancy, Based on the information you posted, it appears that you're arriving in Italy after your Son graduates, so you won't be there for the ceremony? As some of the others have mentioned, could you clarify which airports you're planning to use? Especially for such a short time frame, using "open jaw" flights would absolutely be the best idea. If you're meeting your Son in Parma, you might also consider flights to Milan. Returning from Rome would be a good choice, as there should be lots of flights available. I agree with the others that skipping the Amalfi Coast would be a good idea. In order to plan your touring most efficiently, I'd suggest packing along a copy of the Italy Guidebook. Good luck!