Italy Anyone??

Savapinto Posted: Dec 28, 2008 12:04 AM

Italy Anyone??

FH and I just sat with a travel agent yesterday. We are hoping to go to italy - stay in a few cities and then end up on the Amalfi coast.

We were a little surprised by the price...the travel agent suggested a cruise would be a more economical way to see the country.
We are not against cruises....just dont think a cruise is right to truly enjoy the country.

Any ideas?

beram63 Posted: Dec 28, 2008 09:43 AM

Re: Italy Anyone??

we did 3 countries in 2 weeks in europe for $5000 this past summer while the dollar was much weaker against the euro. i know for the HM the idea is to book luxury accommodations, and you can still do that for select places, maybe in the beginning when you're first celebrating your newlywed status. however, the bed and breakfast route saved us a bundle in europe and we really got a flavor for the people and culture. rick steve's europe through the back door was a great source of info in booking smaller b&b types of places that weren't gross and scary. our favorite places to stay while we were there came out of this book, including a quaint room with a balcony overlooking a grape-vine covered courtyard attached to a wineseller in a medieval city in alsace (france) and a lovely hotel right on an open-air market in paris (which saved us a TON of money on food). FM if you want to talk details bc i researched italy as well. HTH!

ETA: this is the link to the chat forum on his website. the people on there are really helpful and informed. http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/

debzy Posted: Dec 28, 2008 09:55 AM

Re: Italy Anyone??

In Italy you want TIME in each city. A cruise will just give you a taste of the country. Italy was one of the most beautiful countries I've ever been to. I'd recommend driving through it - not cruising around it.

If you feel like you need it, maybe take a tour during part of your trip in Italy. But I'd suggest enjoying it on your own time.

lauraandrob2009 Posted: Dec 28, 2008 10:44 AM

Re: Italy Anyone??

I highly recommend getting Rick Steve's guide for Italy - he is terrific - I followed it when I went to Italy and there are all sorts of recommendations for places to stay that are various price ranges. I prefer booking places using him and you can also check out places like tripadvisor.com for advice.

Savapinto Posted: Dec 28, 2008 11:48 AM

Re: Italy Anyone??

Thank you.
def feel that a cruise would just feel rushed.
Oringinally we thought we would do a tour...but have now decided that we dont want to be on a schedule the entire time.
Hopefully we can find some cheaper hotels and then maybe splurge for our first or last stop.

MLAngelo Posted: Dec 28, 2008 11:53 AM

Re: Italy Anyone??

Your better off doing two or three cities, depending on the length. But its very expensive. Thats why we are going to Hawaii and not Italy. With the dollar the way it is we thought staying in the US was a good plan. We will go to Italy when the dollar turns around and we can do it the way we want.

geegee827 Posted: Dec 28, 2008 12:14 PM

Re: Italy Anyone??

Posted by debzy

In Italy you want TIME in each city. A cruise will just give you a taste of the country. Italy was one of the most beautiful countries I've ever been to. I'd recommend driving through it - not cruising around it.

If you feel like you need it, maybe take a tour during part of your trip in Italy. But I'd suggest enjoying it on your own time.

I totally agree - Italy is way to beautiful to enjoy on a cruise. Also, I think the best way to really get the feel of another country is to absorb yourself in it which you won't be able to do on a cruise. Some of the best memories I have of Italy is stopping at a little tiny place and grabbing lunch and just sitting and people watching.

There is a tour company called Globus that does tours called Monogram tours. Basically, they get you from city to city and you get a tour your first day in each city. After that, you're on your own for a few days. I'd check that out.

flairforfashion Posted: Dec 28, 2008 12:17 PM

Re: Italy Anyone??

We are doing a cruise of 5 countries- Italy being the main focus. My thing was you can go to Europe and stay in some pretty scary places- you never know what you're going to get. A cruise was awesome to us because we unpack once and know where we are sleeping, eating, going, etc. It's up to you- I think you really want to see Italy only so going there and staying there is the best option for you.

elysemichelle Posted: Dec 28, 2008 04:13 PM

Re: Italy Anyone??

Posted by Savapinto

Thank you.
def feel that a cruise would just feel rushed.
Oringinally we thought we would do a tour...but have now decided that we dont want to be on a schedule the entire time.
Hopefully we can find some cheaper hotels and then maybe splurge for our first or last stop.

we went to italy this past april. I have friends who did the meditteranean cruise. I loved going and traveling from place to place, but the cruise is prob much easier for u. If u wanna know bout the hotels we stayed in in each area, FM me.

JD5909 Posted: Dec 28, 2008 08:42 PM

Re: Italy Anyone??

I recently booked my HM in Italy.. and I'll be going to Florence, Rome and the Amalfi Coast. I'll be there for 11 days, so I think I'll have a good amount of time in each city without being too rushed. I'm not much of a cruise person, so I didn't look into prices, but my travel agent was willing to negotiate with me. Let me know if you have any more questions.