Request for tips and best transportation options for my month long trip in Italy and France this October
Hi,
I would like to ask for tips for my much awaited solo trip to Europe this October. I have finally booked my flight to Europe for a much needed break from work 😊. I will be flying from Manila to Rome on October 1 and will fly back to Manila from Paris on October 31. I plan to spend the first 16 days in Italy and the last leg of the trip (day 24-31) in France. Im still thinking whether I should spend days 17-23 in Prague, Germany and/or Switzerland.
So far I only have details for Italy and France in terms of number of days I would like to spend per area:
Italy - 16 days
5 days: Rome
4 days: Florence/Tuscany
1 day: Pisa
2 days: Verona
2 days: Venice
2 days: Milan
France - one week
4 days: Paris
3 days: Day tours in Versailles, Rouen and Provins
Can I ask for tips on how I can maximize my month long trip?
Are the estimated days per area realistic?
Is taking a plane from one place to the next a better option or is taking the train more efficient?
Is it a good idea to get a Eurorail pass if I will be traveling for a month?
Also, I plan to stay in hostel so I will be cheaper and I can also get to meet other people. Would you have some recommended hostels esp in the places I've identified for Italy?
Looping forward to getting tips from you guys!
thanks,
Joyce
Reply to this Hi Joyce,
I think your plan looks very reasonable. It makes sense to go to Switzerland in between Italy and France, because the distances will be reasonable. Prague will be out of your way, though it can certainly be done, though you probably want to go their by air. You could go from Italy to Southern Germany and then to Paris. But I think a few days in Switzerland will be wonderful exploring the Alps. Do check the weather at that time, because it may not be great north of the Alps, could be rainy and cold. Como in Northern Italy is a good starting point for going to Switzerland, and also worth a day if you have the time. The best way to travel will be by train, the distances are fairly short, so air plane is not realistic and you will have time to see the scenery from the train. A Eurail pass may be a good idea, though check out that it will really be cheaper. It all depends on the train.
Sounds like a really nice trip.
Reply to this Definitely get a Eurail card. It's baby far the cheapest option.
In terms of number of days in each place I'd suggest maybe 4 days for Rome, it is an amazing city but if time is a restriction 4 days is certainly sufficient. As is half a day in Pisa, at a push 1 day in Verona maybe 1 and a half & in my opinion Milan is just like most other busy cities. It's good for shopping & museums but everything else is generic. It can be done in a day. With the added days spare you could easily visit more destinations.
Reply to this thanks for the tips Inga, Emily, Chris and Nikki. Will definitely check out your recommendations.
by any chance, is there an unlimited train pass being offered for the region, similar to the JR Pass in Japan that you can just present to the train station anytime you'd like to take the ride?
For the entrance tickets for the must see places in Italy, a friend mentioned that it's advisable to book the tickets in advance before leaving. But I've also read that you can buy a Roma pass or a Firenze card that can be used as free entrance for some places. which option is more advisable, buying tickets before leaving of buying the Roma and Firenze cards once I get there?
Reply to this Hi Everyone,
So far, I have confirmed my arrangements in Rome and Florence for the first 10 days of my trip. Im planning for the next part now after Florence. I would like to ask for your opinion if spending 6 days visiting Verona-Venice-Milan is workable. I don't want to keep on moving from one place to the next carrying my luggage. Where would be the best place to use as a hub and then just day trip to the other 2 places?
thanks,
Joyce
Reply to this We travelled from north to South Italy for our honeymoon. Check out our blogs. I can't remember the name of tickets we bought but certainly in Florence it made a massive difference with the Uffizi gallery.
Reply to this Dear Joyce,
Take a look at our website we can help you on your trip to Italy!
Maybe you can find some interesting tour.
Regards.
Marta
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[Edited: 2014 Oct 13 06:16 - traveltalesofawoollymammoth:258356 - No commercial links please, privately message the blogger for further information]
Reply to this Hi as for museum tickets: buy the ticket for the Vatican museum in advance there is a huge line, several hours waiting. It may cost a couple of euros more but is certainly worth it. The Colosseum also has a huge line but if you go to Palantine hill you can buy a combination ticket which gets you straight into Colosseum (and Forum).
Enjoy your trip.
Reply to this It is marvelous trip you have planned. How much money are you spending on your flights Steady.
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They provide best tickets at cheapest rates.
[Edited: 2014 Oct 01 11:06 - traveltalesofawoollymammoth:258356 - No advertising for commercial sites on the forum please]
Reply to this There is always a need of taking care of the basic things that we need when it comes to traveling solo specially. So like others have suggested you its surely a help and in my opinion you should go for it because while my touring on <snip> local i took care of these things and it worked for me even.
[Edited: 2014 Oct 20 11:10 - traveltalesofawoollymammoth:258356 - No commercial links please, privately message the blogger for further information]
Reply to this I would spend longer in Venice as there is so much to see. Buy vaparetto tickets in advance on a card saves time and money. I dont think Verona warrants two days if I am honest . And you can do Milan in one day
Reply to this Pisa, Milan and Verona do not have a lot to see. You could take couple of days out of them, or take a day out of Florence and visit Cinque Terre. We were there couple of years back, and loved walking through villages, sunset and beach.
Days 17-23 : Since I live in Switzerland, I am biased 😊. Spend the time in Switzerland. Its "on the way" from Italy to France. You could take a train from Milan, cross into Switzerland, spend couple of days in say Grindelwald / Interlaken and then off to Geneva - Paris OR Zurich - Paris.
Also I would advice against renting a car, driving cross country for a month would be very expensive and unnecessary hassle of parking, route etc. Train system is great here, and since you have enough time you can go anywhere by train. Check out 3-country eurorail pass.
Reply to this In response to: Msg #185035 Definitely go to Florence. Make sure to spend a day at The Mall. It's an outlet where you can find big brands like Prada, Gucci, Dior, Ferragamo at really good prices (if that's what you're into). Make sure to bring your passport and get a tax refund for more savings. Definitely worth the trip, you won't regret it.
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[Edited: 2016 Sep 14 16:37 - traveltalesofawoollymammoth:258356 - No URL's allowed]
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