[Ohiogirl]

Originally Posted by l2ridehd

Now OHIOGIRL driving in Italy is great. I really liked it and fit right in with all the local crazies. I got a ticket in Florence for driving in an area where I didn't have some special sticker. They kept sending me letters wanting 160 euro's fine for doing it. I kept writing deceased on it and sending it back. Now we want to go back and I want to rent another car. I wonder how long the statue of limitations are on that crime?

You must also enjoy driving thru the roundabouts here in TV during the season .

I guess it's like Bill n Brillo says - Different strokes . . .

Gotta mention that yesterday driving south on the Buena Vista Roundabout in front of SeaBreeze - a woman stopped her car in the right lane of the roundabout, exited her car from the driver's side and walked over to ask directions of someone about to enter the roundabout on her right - she had pretty much blocked the roundabout entrance!

[PennBF]

We have spent a great deal of time in Europe and always rent a car and drive. We spent a week at a Villa in Tuscany and it was terrific. We had a patio which as you sat on it you looked at the Olive trees and in the evening 2 horses would come to the fence for apples. I think it is much easier to drive in Europe as the cars are smaller and the drivers better. We did drive in Rome and it was little different than driving in NY City or Washington, DC, etc.
Have driven in Holland, Paris, Milan, Florence, and most of the major cities in Europe and never had a problem. Did get stopped by the Police once in Italy for going too fast and when I told them I did not speak Italian they just waved me on.
I think it is the best way to see the Countries.
HAVE A LOT OF FUN..

[chachacha]

i recommend the doria pamphylli (sp) art gallery on the corso in rome..get the earphones and hear interesting history of the artworks and the building...since i love caravaggio, i love the french church near the piazza navona (i believe it is St Louis de France) which has three gorgeous paintings in the rear chapel, and the church which stands alone at the piazza del popolo which has two, one of st paul being blinded by the light...very moving. and the church of st paul outside the walls is a holy place! also the little museum to the right of the spanish steps where i believe keats died (could have been shelley ) if you like goethe, he also lived further down the street toward piazza del popolo on the right and you can see his apt and some interesting drawings by his roommates....there is a treasure around every corner...give yourselves time to enjoy!

[MaSgritta]

Using a combination of Rick Steves guide to Italy and Tripadvisor.com, you can put together a much more memorable trip than any guided tour.

[784caroline]

Sent you a PM with some Grand Circle Travel flyers for Italy....Good company who caters primarily to Americans ..better know for their river tours in Europe.

[jmm2760jmm]

We spent 12 days in Italy and never had a car. You can use taxi or walk around in the cities. For a tour of Tuscany you're best bet is to just hire a tour guide which you can do through your hotel. Trains are easy to use and affordable. We bought our tickets the day prior off the computer at the hotel or you can purchase at the train station. We went in September and had no lines anywhere. Walked right into St. Peters, Sistine Chapel etc. with no wait. I hear May-August there are huge lines everywhere as that is holiday for Europeans.

[VICAR OF DIBLEY]

Rick Steve's book is an excellent suggestion.

If you do it on your own, which you can, you are not able to view the scenery as you drive by - which can be fantastic.

Be careful when you drive - we got a ticket in Florence - going the wrong way on an unmarked one way street. We were also unable to go to a few areas due to lack of parking space and no garages in the area. That was a bummer.

I sent some people on a Globus tour of Italy and all they did was rave about the trip.

Perillo is less expensive, but not equal to a Globus tour.

We have done both, but our friend did the driving. When the driving was easy no problems, and then there were the other times.

We have done train travel in Europe and was impressed by the service.

[chuckinca]

Wikipedia article on Vicar of Dibley states in part:

"the female vicar, self-described as a "babe with a bob cut and a magnificent bosom". She is a bonne vivante and a liberal woman who enjoys nothing more than a good laugh."


Does that pretty much sum up the TOTV Vicar of Dibley?


.

[villager]

Check out Positano - our favorite place in Italy. It is on the Amalfi Coast. Capri is nice. Cinque Terre is beautiful ("5 Lands" which is 5 little towns all connected by the train). And, don't forget about Tuscany! Also, the northern area by Lake Como is something to be considered. (Can you tell I've spent a bit of time in Italy?) Train travel is the best way and quite easy. Small hotels are excellent and you can also book apartments with private owners. Have a pizza for me, ok?

[JDRVKR]

We toured Italy last Sept. through Trafalgar Tours arranged by AAA. It was a very good two week tour, but, caution about costs. The glossy brochures list all of the great places you wish to visit. However, most of these turn out to be optional and not included in the initial cost. Most did not learn of this until arrival and were not very happy about paying an extra $100 - $200 some days to visit the desired area. Be sure to have whoever you choose explain what other expenses you are likely to incur.
John & Valerie jdjkrichardson@msn.com

[Deniselmenna]

Originally Posted by rjn5656

Would like to plan a trip to Italy?
Any recommendations on tour groups to consider? Travel agents? etc.
Would like to spend a few days in Rome, then rest of trip if flexible.

We traveled all of Italy with insight tours and will do it again with them. Everything was fabulous!