My husband and I are taking a cruise from Civitaiavecchia (near Rome) this September. First, we are visiting Leeds in the UK. We were thinking of renting a car, but also enjoy traveling by train. We would like to begin in Leeds, go to the French Riviera, and then visit Cinque Terra before going to Rome. Is it more cost effective to go by car or train? Is any route better than another? Any other advice or referrals to B & B's, hotels, etc?
Posted by
Nottingham, UK
658 posts
If I understand you correctly part of your question is about the practicality of hiring a car in Leeds and driving through France. This would be very unwise and costly. In England we drive on the left hand side ( or correct side ) of the road. In France they drive on the right hand side ( shudders all round ). If you hired a car in Leeds it would have the steering wheel on the correct side, this would make driving with it on the wrong side of the road in France very difficult.
:-)
Posted by
Lincoln, NE, USA
390 posts
Catch a cheap intra-Europe flight from Manchester to Nice, then either fly or take the overnight train to Milan where you'd transfer by train to Cinque Terre. Much easier, faster, and probably cheaper than renting a car. You could take the train from Manchester to London, then the Eurostar to Paris, then train to Nice, but you'd save a lot of money and time flying. Try flybmi.com, skyscanner.net, or kayak.com for cheap flights from Man. to Nice.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8050 posts
Leeds also has some cheap flights, though limited, Don't recall, but Midlands Airport may not be much further than Manchester, so at least look into it. You could also seek out charter type operations from Leeds or Manchester, while their primary mission is to transport Holiday goers on package deals, they will sell left over seats on their planes to pick up a few Pounds. Aside from that, unless you are planning on lots of little stops and meandering down the coast, then skip the rental, all of your spots are well served by train.
Posted by
Leeds, UK
1 posts
I live in Leeds (although winter in Sebring, Florida) and the cheapest way to fly to the south of France would be to use the excellent Jet2 airline which is based at Leeds/Bradford airport. (www.jet2.com).
I plan to tour parts of Europe this summer and will be using my own UK car so obviously I don't agree with the poster that said you'd have problems doing so with a rental car. YES some overtaking moves might be more difficult given you'd be on the 'wrong' side of the car but just be a bit more careful and it shouldn't be a problem. Many thousands manage it just fine every year.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
In addition to the ones given above, check this budget airlines search engine: www.whichbudget.com.