Graffiti Wall: Travelers' Helpline

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Travelers' Helpline: February 2006

All together, the community of Rick Steves' travelers has a wealth of European travel experience. This is your chance to help or be helped. If you've got a question about traveling in Europe, we think there's another traveler out there with an answer...

These posted responses are from the traveling public and are not supplied by Europe Through the Back Door staff members unless specifically noted.

Rail Pass
Tom,

I suggest you call Euraide, the phone number is 941 480-1555. I used them for making train reservations for my upcoming trip. They have been very helpful. I believe that if you email them your itinerary they will help you select the right pass.
Jill
HI USA Tue 02/28/2006

TSA Locks
I did a search for "TSA Locks" on the FlyerTalk Forums web site (http://www.flyertalk.com/ -- Questions -- Search -- "TSA Locks") and the answers were all over the place. Great reading but nothing conclusive.

I'm left with the feeling that if you're going to buy new locks anyway they should be TSA Approved but, in the end, it really doesn't make too much difference. Your stuff may or may not get ripped off, your lock may or may not get cut, you may or may not get reimbursed for whatever you loose, the airport official that you talk to may or may not care, .......................... You get the idea.
Ray <email>
Tacoma, WA USA Tue 02/28/2006

travel connections
My husband and I are flying into Madrid the end of May, 2006. We plan to take the train to Valencia but our final destination is Alicante. Is there a train or a bus to and from Valencia and if so when does it run?
Chris Palesh <email>
Parker, CO USA Tue 02/28/2006

Cheap tickets to Dublin
If you are looking for a cheap way to get to Dublin try sidestep.com. I just booked mine for this summer. Less than $400, which also includes taxes and fees.
Rebecca
New York, NY USA Tue 02/28/2006

Credit card surcharge
According to Easyjet's website: "A transaction fee will be applied when you pay by Visa debit or credit card, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express, ELV, or Maestro/Switch, except for payments by Carte Bleu or Visa Electron. Credit cards incur a percentage charge of 1.95% of the total amount payable, with a minimum charge of £4.95. Debit cards, except Carte Blue or Visa Electron, are subject to a fixed £1 charge."
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Tue 02/28/2006

Music
I LOVE the idea of a Music for the Journey category, too!
USA Tue 02/28/2006

Music for the Journey
Cloe,

I second your motion for adding a "Music For The Journey" to the boards. I too added quite a bit of Irish music to my iPod before going a couple of years ago. Now I'm prepairing for France and would love some suggestions.
USA Tue 02/28/2006

Credit card surcharge
I just booked Milan-LGW with Easyjet and was charged 7.5 euro for using my credit card! Nothing like this last time I used them - anyone have any info about this charge?
Kathy <email>
Cary, NC USA Tue 02/28/2006

Music for the Journey
So Rick, as much as you really love music, I am surprised that you do not have a section of the Wall called Music for the Journey, in the manner of Books for the Journey. Before my family and I went to the British Isles, we listed to many CDs by the Baltimore Consort to put us in the mood. Music to me is as evocative as literature, and I think it would be marvelous if you perhaps added "Music for the Journey" as part of the Wall. Thanks so much for everything you do.
Cloe
Minneapolis, MN USA Tue 02/28/2006

2 for 1 EuroStar Special
The London Telegraph is currently offering a promotion for 2 for 1 EuroStar Tickets from their website:

www.telegraph.co.uk/eurostar

You have to know at least 4 of the passwords that have been published in the paper...discovery, secret, surprise, intrigue
Tim
Knoxville, TN USA Tue 02/28/2006

Rail Pass
Tom, Click on the tab above that says "Railpasses". Rick gives a great breakdown and easy to read maps. You can calculate if point-to-point tickets would be cheaper.
USA Tue 02/28/2006

Rail Pass
If someone could pleae help me understand what type of rail pass I sould buy. There will be 3 of us traveling be train a total of about 15 days. Starting off inberlin then Warsawq-Krakow-Prague-Venice-Florence and last Rome. Can someone help me.

Thanks Tom
Tom Kohanski <email>
Cleveland, Ohio USA Tue 02/28/2006

Place to stay in Rothenburg
I would love recommendations for a place to stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. I want to stay inside the walls. I don't need a luxury place, but also don't want a "bare bones" place with shared bathrooms, etc. Something clean, with decent sized bedrooms would be good, as I'm sharing a room with my daughter. Your help would be appreciated. Thanks!!
Gary <email>
Cary, NC USA Tue 02/28/2006

Trip to Rome and Tuscany
Denise,

I would move three times. It is so relaxing to stay in the countryside. And you'll need the rest after being in Rome!

Whatever you do stay close to the airport the night before. I did this last time I went and it made a huge difference. It was only my friend and I, no children, and we still barley made our 8am flight. Moving is alot better than missing your flight and sitting in the airport for hours. Remember, you have to be there 2hours before the flight and then you need time to get to the airport and if you're driving you need time to drop off the car and time to get ready in the morning....
Lisa
San Jose, CA USA Tue 02/28/2006

TSA Locks
TSA Locks are accepted in Europe, for the most part. In Germany I had no problem. In Italy, when we landed in Milan, my locks were ok, but my mom's was removed. So its hit and miss, depending on the TSA I guess
USA Tue 02/28/2006

Left Luggage
Jaybee: You can find info about left luggage at Luton at:

www.london-luton.co.uk/en/content.asp?area=2&id=89. It says:

Left Luggage There is Left Luggage Storage facility which is accesible 24 hours a day and it is situated next to Outsize Baggage in the check-in hall.

Prices are £4.00/ €6.60 per item per 24 hours and payments can be made in British Sterling Pound, Euro (€5 and €10 notes only) and by credit card.

Change will be given in British Sterling Pound only and no refunds are available on this service.
Carlos
Dallas, TX USA Tue 02/28/2006

Jacquie Bound for Dublin: It is perfectly possible to see your luggage checked all the way through to your dsestination. It is also possible that your bags may turn out to be missing upon arrival (this happened to me twice on BA flights to Milan and Verona). This is inconvenient but seldom fatal and in each case BA proved very helpful in resolving the problem. The vast majority of bags do NOT go missing but you'd be well advised to have the essentials for coping over 2-3 days in your carryon bag---and you may be happily surprised at how little is required to manage until your main bag turns up. As the man keeps saying: PACK LIGHT. Best wishes
k-b
Seattle, USA Tue 02/28/2006

TSA Locks
Luggage Locks Question-Can the TSA Combo Locks be used in Europe? Are they more trouble than they are worth in the airport security lines? USA 02/27/2006
USA Tue 02/28/2006

Trip to Rome and Tuscany
Want some opinions! Will be going to Rome/Tuscany from June 5th - 15th. All set with an apartment in Rome from the 6th - 9th. The next leg is to Tuscany and the Florence area, with a VERY early flight back to the states on June 15th. Is it more convenient to stay closer to Florence and move the family only twice (Rome and then Tuscany)or to stay more centrally in Tuscany and then get a hotel in Florence for the last night (14th)? If I do the latter, it means five of us staying in Rome, then a place in Tuscany and then another place in Florence to be close to the airport. Have heard great things about one of the farmhouses more near Siena, but then it means moving three times.

At this point, I'm leaning toward staying in Florence and doing day trips to Siena and the other villages. Opinions?? Thanks!
Denise <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Tue 02/28/2006

Toilet Paper
I always carry those little "purse packs" of kleenex -- one in my camera bag, and one in my backpack. In 3 Europe trips (France & England) I've had to use them twice. Lack of TP isn't more of a problem than it is in touristy areas of the US, but occasionally quality is. Now and then, you encounter TP that is so hard and rough, that you will be glad to have an option.
Lisa
Lansing, MI USA Tue 02/28/2006

Heathrow Arrival Expectations
Steve E,. I don't think you'll be able to get through all of that in 1 hour and 15 mins. LHR is just too congested.
Lisa
San Jose, CA USA Tue 02/28/2006

Toilet Paper
My brother in law just advised us to make sure we have tp when using the public toilets in France & Italy as they usually have none. Have recent travelers found this to be true?
Alexandra Martella <email>
Longmont, CO USA Tue 02/28/2006

Heathrow Arrival Expectations
I'm scheduled to land in Heathrow on Thursday, March 9th at 12:00 noon from Terminal 4 (British Airways). My first scheduled destination is Bath. I had planned on taking the bus. Although there are several buses that go through Bath, only two are "direct." These depart the central bus terminal at 13:15 and 14:45. Is there a reasonable expectation that I could retrieve my luggage, get through customs, and make it to the central terminal (via free shuttle) and make the 13:15 bus?

I know there are other options and the Heathrow Express to Paddington, then train to Bath, is a back-up, but much more costly when multiplied by the two of us. So our first choice is the bus, but we would prefer the 13:15 if we could.
Steve E. <email>
Bellevue, WA USA Tue 02/28/2006

Luton Airport
Does Luton Airport have 24 hour luggage storage like LHR? I've been searching the internet without success. Thanks.
jaybee
USA Mon 02/27/2006

BARGAIN AIR FARES
You might want to try www.lidl.es for inexpensive air fares in Europe. Now they have 29Euros for flight between different cities in Europe.
Claudia
Peru Mon 02/27/2006

Train Vendors
If you book far enough in advance using a national rail site (www.nationalrail.co.uk for England and www.sncf.com for France), you may be able to get a discount ticket. Send me an e-mail if you'd like a more detailed explanation about how to do it.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Mon 02/27/2006

airport to Rome
To Kevin, skip the Taxi from the airport. It is a rip off. they quote you an estimate but then charge you different and argue w/ the passenger til you run down. Take the train as suggested previously to termini station then taxi or walk from there. start your ARome trip on a good note.
JS
Ca USA Mon 02/27/2006

London to Athens by train
You can get very detailed instructions on doing that by going here: http://www.seat61.com/Greece.htm
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Mon 02/27/2006

London to Athens by train
Has anyone taken the train from London to Athens (ferry from Italy to Greece). Two friends and I are intersted in doing this in May. Thanks in advance.
Sue <email>
Seattle, WA USA Mon 02/27/2006

Air travel
Betty, Michael is right-on about open-jaws. Try to use it.

However, be cautious about RyanAir. Of the twelve largest cities in Germany, Ryan doesn't serve three at all. Schoenefeld (Berlin), although not the primary airport, is about as convenient as the other airports around Berlin.

The other eight airports are secondary airports over an hour from their downtown, vs. less than half hour for most of the primary airports. In the case of Hahn, it is almost two hours from Frankfurt, by bus.
<email>
USA Mon 02/27/2006

Transfer Rome airport to city center
Take the train. it's so easy, runs every 1/2 hour or so, very inexpensive. Just a little walk from the terminal at the airport. Signs lead you the way, and you buy a ticket, validate it and hop on the train.

Once at the Termini, go outside for a taxi to take you to the hotel. if you leave out of Rome, simply reverse the process.

Don't bother with a cab, too expensive, the train is just so easy!
<email>
USA Mon 02/27/2006

Re: Annexe Hotel
My husband and I stayed at the Winchester Hotel on Belgrave Road last November. We had a double room with private bath. On the smallish side, but nice. And the people at the hotel were very helpful and informative. Around 85 pounds as I remember, which included a huge breakfast. Within 5-10 minutes of Victoria Station. Nice neighborhood with quite a few little restaurants.
Jacquie <email>
St. Petersburg, FL USA Mon 02/27/2006

Transfer from Rome airport
For a transfer from FCO airport to the Rome city center try viator.com. It's only about 16 or 17 usd. We used it in September and it was great, they drop you off right at your hotels front door. Which is nice if your jet-lagged and don't know the city very well.
A
San Diego, CA USA Mon 02/27/2006

Annexe Hotel in London
I'm trying to find the cheapest...but still clean and safe place to stay in London. Has anyone stayed at Annexe Hotel...it's close to Victoria Station? If you haven't stayed there, do you have any other reccommendations? My husband and I are looking for a private room with either a shared or private bath. Thanks ahead of time for any feedback.
Laura <email>
Burbank, CA USA Mon 02/27/2006

Airport to Rome transportation
Kevin, take the express train for 9.50 E. Very easy.
Bob <email>
Gettysburg, PA USA Mon 02/27/2006

Luggage Question
Your luggage will be checked all the way to Dublin. When you make a connection at a European airport you don't have to do go through customs or immigration checkpoints.
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Mon 02/27/2006

Transportation from Rome Airport
Has anyone ever take a shuttle from Rome airport to city center? Any recommendations? or should I just take a Taxi? I have done this during trip to Paris, not sure about Rome. Thanks in Advance
Kevin
SF, CA USA Mon 02/27/2006

Luggage Question
My husband and I will be taking our second trip to Europe. We are flying British Airways direct from Tampa to London Gatwick. We have a 3 hour layover and will then be flying London Gatwick to Dublin. (We had a valid reason for making the arrangements this way ...) My question is: Will BA check our bags through to Dublin when we check in at Tampa? We're both a bit afraid that our luggage may end up sitting on a conveyor in Dublin and get stolen (or something). Can anyone give us any information regarding this? Any help would be greatly appreciated since we've never attempted to do this.
Jacquie <email>
St. Petersburg, FL USA Mon 02/27/2006

More on Prehistoric Sites
I agree with previous postings about Lascaux II. It's well done, but there is something special about knowing that you are seeing the real thing. In addition to Peche Merle, there are awesome prehistoric sites at Les Eyzies and L'Abri du Cap Blanc. The latter has relief sculptures, rather than paintings. These two are close to each other and can be done on the same day. Also in that general area (the Dordogne) is the not-to-be-missed Goufre de Padirac, a gigantic cave system with no paintings, but fabulous rock formations.
RH
Berkeley, CA USA Mon 02/27/2006

Train vendors
Melanie, In general, based on cost and flexibility issues, it is not advisable to purchase point to point tickets in advance from any “stateside” vendor.

There are a few exceptions where advance purchase of tickets is advisable. Most notable are night trains, for which there is usually only one option per night between any pair of cities. These trains often sell out, sometimes as much as a month in advance.

During high volume times, popular premium trains, like Thalys, can sell out. This is particularly true for rail pass users. Get your reservations for these trains in advance.

If you have a long day of travel, where missing one train would mean you didn’t get to your destination, you should reserve in advance.

In most cases, however, you can reserve your trains at a ticket counter after you get to Europe.

If you do want to buy in advance, the best place is on a national rail website, where you will get the lowest full fare price and might even find an lower promotional fare, such as SNCF’s PREMS fare.
USA Mon 02/27/2006

Norm & Kate re: Tube
Thank you both for your responses. I recall that the escalators are very steep, & the website said luggage is one of the top five causes of injuries. I've decided to try the NAtional Express motorcoach from Heathrow to Luton.
jaybee
USA Mon 02/27/2006

Afternoon tea
Nikki~~for afternoon tea go to The Orangery it sets 50 yards from Kensington Palace. It's beautiful inside. We go there every trip to London.
USA Mon 02/27/2006

Luggage on the London Underground
That's a LOT of luggage for the tube. Jamming into the subway cars, up and down escalators (and maybe some stairs), and those subway cars aren't large! And if I remember correctly, you have a fair hike from the subway station up the street to the Kings Cross railway station, past all sorts of construction, to catch the train to Luton. It might be far easier to splurge and take the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station, then cab it directly to Kings Cross.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 02/27/2006

Medical insurance for Slovakia
This is a direct quote from the Slovak Embassy website (www.slovakembassy-us.org): "According to a new Slovak Law on the Residence of Aliens No. 48/01, modified by 408/02 an 606/03, para 4/2 b, the border police has a right to request a proof of a travel medical insurance policy covering all hospitalization and medical treatment costs in Slovakia. This policy is a same in EU members states. U. S. citizens are strongly advised to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad, to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it covers emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased." I have seen a similar warning about the Czech Republic.

As it says, even if you have medical insurance it is unlikely to cover emergency evacuation. I recommend www.tenweb.com: when I broke my wrist in Switzerland last year they provided a car and driver to take me to Geneva airport, and the flights home.
Kathy <email>
Cary, NC USA Mon 02/27/2006

Northern Greece
I'm spending a few days in Northern Greece before joining a Rick Steves' Greece tour, and could use recommendations for hotels in Kastoria and Ioannina. Pension/B&B type preferred. Also, for after the tour, any suggestions for Chania & Rethymno on Crete, or for Kos Town? I'm looking for singles, en suite nice but not essential, hopefully under 70 euro/night, cheaper is better! Since this is for April, I doubt AC is necessary...
Kathy <email>
Cary, NC USA Mon 02/27/2006

Carry-ons Air France
For all the baggage info for Air France, go to www.airfrance.us. Click on Information and services > Practical information > Baggage > Hand baggage.

Air France has a very generous weight allowance for cabin baggage at 12 kg (26 lb). Size limit is any combination totaling 45 inches, including wheels and handles.
CO USA Mon 02/27/2006

train vendors
Hi, My husband and I will be traveling in England & France next month. I was trying to purchase train tickets on-line but don't know which vendor to use. Is one better than the other?
Melanie
Dallas, Tx USA Mon 02/27/2006

There are a variety of GROUNDED plug styles used by countries throughout Europe. The style most commonly used in Italy, for instance, is incompatible with that used in many northern European countries.

However, the UNGROUNDED Type C plug, with two round pins, fits into grounded receptacles all over continental Europe. That is the adapter sold by ETBD. Note: the Type C plug is rated for less than 2½ amps, so technically can not be used with a hair dryer (but we do it anyway).

Type B is an American style plug with flat blades and a grounding pin. You might find it in some military housing in Europe, which would also be 120V. I believe my hotel room in London had a Type B receptacle (in addition to UK style), but with 240V.

For everything you want to know about European plug design, go to users.pandora.be/worldstandards/electricity.htm#plugs.
<email>
USA Mon 02/27/2006

adaptor plugs
Italy uses the standard Europen plug the rest of the continent uses (excluding Great Britain). Rick sells them on this website.
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Mon 02/27/2006

adaptor plugs
Does anyone know what adaptor plug to use in Italy? On the web I have gotten conflicting answers. Some say "B" and some say "C". Thanks.
USA Mon 02/27/2006

Dubrovnik soba
Does anyone know if Paulina Cumbelic has an email address in Dubronik? If not, do you have any other suggestions where you have stayed before? Thank you and please post to my email address.
Judy <email>
Minneapolis, MN USA Mon 02/27/2006

Barcelona
Hello, i am a 27 yo mexican girl i am going to barcelona just for 1 weekend and i was wondering if somebody know of a very cheap hotel..... Thanks
Andrea <email>
USA Mon 02/27/2006

Carry-ons Air France
It may not just be the dimensions of your bag that Air France checks. Many European airlines maintain strict WEIGHT limits as well--often 6 kg or approximately 14 lbs. Definitely check with the airline!
Lori
USA Mon 02/27/2006

Thanks for the CDG Shuttle and RER Info
Lee and Terry, thank you for your suggestions for the CDG shuttle and RER information.

Lee, thanks for sending the parisnet.net link. I'll continue to look through it. It had some interesting info on the 20 different neighborhoods, or arrondissements in Paris. I didn't know that!

Thanks again!
Sue
DB, CA USA Sun 02/26/2006

Tea in London
My husband and I will be in London in March and would like to partake in Afternoon Tea, but would rather not have to take out a loan. Any suggestions?
Nikki
Houston, USA Sun 02/26/2006

Sara Luggage issues
I love my Eagle Creek ORV duffle. It is large enough for 2 weeks of clothing, has compartments that can be rearranged to fit shoes, flat clothing etc. It is carry on size and has hidden back pack straps that make carrying it a breeze if needed. It is my "go to" bag for overseas trips. Looks very nice too, and is not as expensive as Tumi.

Find this bag at www.ebags.com. put in Eagle Creek for your search. There are other roller bags...but I don't like those for travel to Europe either. Tumi is too expensive for what you get, and they don't last any longer than other bags.....
USA Sun 02/26/2006

Beaune, Dijon for Andrew
This is not a bad idea if you like the pace, but you should understand that stopping off in Burgundy entails more time on the train than the otherwise short trip to Lyon from Paris. That’s because Paris-Lyon as a straight shot on the TGV takes 2 hours. Dijon, also on the TGV, is about 1:45, and Dijon-Lyon is the same.

Dijon may not be that satisfying to explore for only a few hours compared to Beaune, which is smaller but still interesting. Beaune is about 20 minutes from Dijon, on a local train line. Beaune-Lyon is another 1:30 or 2 hours. So you could wind up spending as much as 5 hours on the train as opposed to 2 hours.

If you are really into the hop-off-hop on sort of thing there are lots of interesting stops you could make on this route: Auxerre (though the train station is far from the old town center), or the abbey at Fontenay (cab from Montbard), and lots of little towns on the local from Beaune to Lyon.
Adam
Boston, USA Sun 02/26/2006

Slovakia/Health Insurance
Janis, I went to Slovakia a year and a half ago and they never asked me for proof of health insurance. They stamped my passport and it was as easy as that. I flew through Vienna, then drove through the border. If you are flying directly into Bratislava (I am doing so in May), it may be different, but I doubt it.
Bryan <email>
Maryland USA Sun 02/26/2006

Air Travel
Betty, Flying into London, and back home via Germany is called "open-jaw" ticketing, and it usually doesn't cost much more then a standard round trip ticket. You didn't mention where in Germany you daughter lives, but if it is near Koln, you could take the high-speed Thalys train from Paris into Germany. But, you may want to consider flying into Paris first, then taking the chunnel into London. Both Easyjet and Ryanair fly have very cheap fares between the London airports and most all major cities in Germany.
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Sun 02/26/2006

RER to Charles de Gaulle
We had always used airport shuttle minivans to get from CDG to our Paris hotels. However, on our last trip, we got a very apologetic call from the shuttle service to our hotel, saying that their driver hadn't been able to come to work that day, so our ride to the airport was cancelled. (They emailed an apology to us when we got home and didn't charge us for the first trip from CDG to our hotel.) Our first response was panic since we needed to leave immediately to catch our plane. Luckily, I had my Rick Steves Paris guide, with specific instructions on how to take the RER train to the airport. I originally hadn't considered this because I thought our luggage would be a nuisance to other people on the train. After seeing MANY people on the Metro with much more luggage than we ever carry, I stopped worrying about this. We couldn't believe how much faster and easier it was to take the train! Traffic in Paris can be S-L-O-W! We will always just take the RER now, saving lots of money and time.
Terry
Bend, OR USA Sun 02/26/2006

Re: Munich to Budapest
Pearl, you have certainly hit on a knotty problem. There don't seem to be many (any) people who sell tickets for that night train, at least not in a convenient format.

Per DB, full fare from Munich to Budapest is €93,20. With a full fare ticket you can purchase an Aufpreis (supplement, reservation) for that night train in a couchette 6/4 for €19,50/€25. That would be the price if you bought the supplement over there. That's $135/$142 for the total fare. For a double compartment, the Aufpreis is €39 per person, about $160 total. That is an estimate, probably high, of the price, if you can find it as a single fare. But, you should be able to get that price, at least.

You can always call Rail Europe and see if they can sell that offline. Their price for couchette 6/4 is $156/$222. The price for a double would obviously be more.

DB may sell the compartment tickets by phone if you call them at 49 1805 99 66 33. Or you might call Nachtzug Reise at 49 1805 14 15 14. Either number should have someone available who speaks English. The advantage of calling one of these numbers is that you might get the SparNight fare of as low as €69 ($83) per person in a double, total fare.

Another option is to purchase the full fare ticket for DB for €93,20, then get the supplement from Euraide. They show the price of the supplement as €42. They are a US based company with a US phone and people who speak English. The advantage is you know the price, 93,20 plus 42 = 135,20 EUR or about $162. Unfortunately, they add a service and shipping fee of $45. But that is still probably cheaper than RE.
<email>
USA Sun 02/26/2006

CDG Shuttle Service
Sue,

You might consider the Air France buses, which leave Terminal 1 at CDG every 15 minutes, I think. Here's a link that has current info:

http://www.parisnet.net/info_airplane.html

We've used the Air France bus on 2 trips, and it is comfortable and cheap. There are discounts for round-trip and for groups, be sure to ask when you buy the tickets, which are sold at a booth at the bus pick-up point. The buses stop at only 4 spots in Paris, all major Metro stations. So, you'll likely need to take the subway to your final destination.
Lee <email>
Arvada, Colorado USA Sun 02/26/2006

Air Travel
My husband and I are traveling from Portland,Oregon this fall.We are ending in Germany where our daughters family is presently staying-but would first like to go to London-then take the chunnel to France and somehow from there get to Germany.Can anyone suggest what the best way to do this is? Can we still get round trip airplane tickets if we go to London first and then go from Germany back to Oregon?
Betty S
Albany, Or USA Sun 02/26/2006

Travelers Insurance
Janis, No matter where you travel, should always buy travel insurance which covers medical and evacuation costs. Most Blue Cross plans don't cover expenses overseas, and those that do may not also cover evacuation charges. For example, should you suffer a severe log break which requires special seating to get you back home, those charges start at $20,000 USD! I have heard horror stories about travelers who have been financially ruined by these charges. Most policies only cost a couple dollars a day, so there is no excuse not buy one.

There are lots of companies that sell travel health insurance, I happen to use this company: http://www.travelinsure.com/
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Sun 02/26/2006

Apartments for rent?
My husband and I want to rent a room or apartment for a month or so in Spain, Italy, Greece and who knows where else. Is there any place to look online or is just best to look when we get there?
Wendy <email>
Bass Lake, Ca USA Sun 02/26/2006

Paris on holiday May 8
Monday May 8, 2006 is a holiday in France... How crowded will museums, restaurants, etc in Paris become during the 3-day holiday weekend? Should we avoid it? We're only in Paris for 5 days, and don't want the holiday to make it a hassle, plus we have a 5 month old travelling... We're thinking about changing our itinerary to arrive in Paris after the May 8 - any advice?
gjb <email>
Santa Cruz, CA USA Sun 02/26/2006

7 days in Italy
I will be in flying in/out of Budapest to the US. But I have seven extra days to travel to Italy. I would love to spend time in the Chinque Terre’s, Rome and Venice ( I think skip Florence due to time, right?)

My available dates are: leave Budapest either April 23 or the 24 (pref). Need to be back in Budapest by the afternoon of April 30 to fly back to the US May 1. Is it possible to do all that I want to do? How do I get started? Where should I fly in/out of? (From Budapest)
David Welch <email>
San Diego, CA USA Sun 02/26/2006

HOTELS IN NICE
FOR ANNE IN VANCOUVER: Ibis hotels offer rooms in three hotels from 64 euros: http://www.ibishotel.com/ibis/index.html
Graham <email>
Sun 02/26/2006

Travelers Insurance
I just went on the embassy site for Slovakia, where I am going in April. It says I need proof of health insurance to enter. Is this different than what I have (Blue Cross). Should I purchase traveler's insurance? Help
Janis F. <email>
Erie, PA USA Sun 02/26/2006

CDG Shuttle Service Reviews
Could someone give me some recommendations on the shuttle service at CDG airport? I've read in Rick's guidebooks his recommendations for Golden Air, Airport Connection, and Paris Airports Service.

However, I've read a few complaints about poor service with Golden Air shuttle.

We are leaving the first week of April this year.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Sue
DB, CA USA Sun 02/26/2006

travel med insurance
My husband and I will be traveling around the world this year. does anyone know of good travel medical insurance that includes med evacuation? we have started getting vaccinations from a local travel doctor. is there anything else we should look into before we go?
Wendy <email>
Bass Lake, Ca USA Sun 02/26/2006

Luggage Issues
I travel to Europe, a lot, for work. Last week my faithful bag of many years broke. Now I am looking for new luggage but I do not want a rolling bag. It needs to be small to carry-on but also large enough to fit all my work clothing. My old bag was similar to a small garmet bag, if that makes any sense, with roughly the measurements of 22 X 14 X 7. I prefer not to get a duffel bag. Does anyone have any experience with Tumi bags? Any suggestion on bags would be GREAT!!!
Sara
USA Sun 02/26/2006

Airfrance Luggage
Air France is notorious for being luggage Nazis. You have to be exact on your luggage otherwise it's being checked.
USA Sun 02/26/2006

World War I Battle Sights
My husband and I are signed up for the Rick Steves' Best of France tour which begins and ends in Paris. I'm desperate to see some WWI battlesights since my master's thesis is on chemical warfare in WWI. What is the best way to do this? Can we drive to the Somme from Paris? Train available? Add this on to the end of the tour?
Merrry <email>
Bellevue, WA USA Sun 02/26/2006

Luggage on the Tube
I just lugged a huge suitcase through the Tube yesterday, so it's certainly permitted.

The real problem is likely to be the stairs - I'd research your route very carefully on www.tfl.gov.uk and make sure that you won't encounter any stairs. And then be prepared to climb some anyway. Also, some of the escalalators are very long and steep, so you want to have bags that will balance well on a narrow stair otherwise it can be quite dangerous.

Also, there has been a lot of construction on various lines recently, so it's advisable to check back frequent to make sure there won't be a diversion that forces you onto a nasty set of stairs.

Kate
Kate
Scotland Sun 02/26/2006

Munich to Budapest
We would like to take the overnight train from Munich to Budapest in early May. The bahn.de web site says that reservations are available, but the pricing for a sleeper is not. Does anyone have any idea how much one would cost and how to book a 2 person sleeper? (rail europe can only book couchettes.)Is it ok to wait until we get to Germany to book it? Any experiences on this train?
Pearl <email>
Greensboro, NC USA Sun 02/26/2006

hotel in Brussels
Bill-we stayed at the Royal Windsor Grand Platz. Great location to all sights and the Grand Platz-3 blocks away. highly recommend it.
Bill
Newburgh, NY USA Sun 02/26/2006

Re Carry on luggage
I found AirFrance picky. One lady had a carry-on that another line had allowed, and she got sent back to check it. LOL
Sharon
Bowie, MD USA Sun 02/26/2006

Carry-ons on Airfrance
We're flying from PHL to Paris on USAir and intend to use carry-ons only. We're allowed 51" (combined dimensions). That's OK. BUT, then we're flying from Paris to Cairo on Airfrance and they only allow 45" (combined dimensions) for carry-ons. How picky is Airfrance about this? We don't wanna check our bags if we don't have to.
Tom <email>
Summerville, SC USA Sun 02/26/2006

re:Beaune, Dijon
Hi Andrew, Of course they are worth stopping for a day, even more! (have you seen my pictures? If not yet look at "Re:Two days outside of Paris???" below)

I don't know for Beaune station but there are lockers at Dijon train station. Go to the tourist office next to place Darcy (on your way from the station) and ask for the owl's trail guide to see all the interesting sites in Dijon centre. Welcome to Burgundy! :-)
corinne
Dijon, France Sun 02/26/2006

Skellig Michael Boat Trip - Help
Help, I've e-mailed 2 of the boat trip operators trying to see if they will be operating Sat 15 April this year, but can't get a reply. Don't want to book a room in Portmagee if we can't get out to Skellig Michael. Anyone have any info or pointers? Would appreciate help - my son so wants to climb the Skellig. Thanks!
Sheryl <email>
Brea, CA USA Sat 02/25/2006

Rosaries
Perhaps they wanted one that had been blessed by the Pope? These would only be available at the Vatican.
USA Sat 02/25/2006

Re: Rosaries in Rome
RE: Rosaries in Rome, you shouldn't have any problem. I recall specifically a little store to the side of the Fontana di Trevi where I bought a rosewood rosary for my grandmother, and they certainly had many more.
Daniel M. Perez <email>
Miami Beach, FL USA Sat 02/25/2006

To: Car rental in Germany and Austria
Driving in Germany and Austria is similiar to driving in the US. We drove for 2 weeks in Germany and Austria last summer. Drivers were friendly and we did not have any problems. Got lost several times and had to ask directions alot. Everyone was very helpful. Watch out for the tour bus drivers though. There are narrow roads in the Alps and the bus driver always wins. Also Austria requires a sticker to drive in the country. Check the rental car before buying one. We bought one and our car already had one on it. good luck
ns
tx USA Sat 02/25/2006

Munich B & B
Denise,

try towns that are on S-bahn lines on the southern end (the World Cup stadium is to the north) of the Munich metro area. Use www.{town name}.de and see if they have a link for tourism (Tourismus) or accommodations (Unterkünfte).

Starnberg is a resort town on the Starnberger See southwest of Munich, and I found some reasonably priced places that show that they have rooms available in June. Starnberg is 33 minutes by S-Bahn from the Munich Hauptbahnhof. You might actually like the area so much you'll not want to go into Munich.

You indicated offline that you are a family of four. It will be MUCH more difficult in Germany to get a room for four than it will be to get two doubles. You might have more luck finding a four person vacation apartment (Ferienwohnung). It would likely have a separate bedroom, a sofa bed, and a cooking area. FW normlly rent by the week for much less then the cost of a week in a hotel. Of course, you have to make your own breakfast.
<email>
USA Sat 02/25/2006

Finding Rosaries
I am going to Rome this week.Many of my friends have requested I bring them a rosary. Will I find these easily? Or only in the Vatican Gift Shop. Any advice appreciated.
Sharon
Bowie, MD, MD USA Sat 02/25/2006

Beaune, Dijon
We are going to France this summer. We are starting in Paris and then heading to Nice. We were thinking of going to Lyon via Beaune and Dijon since we have a day still free in the intinerary. Are these places worth stopping for a day? Are there lockers in the train stations to put our packs while we explore the towns on our way to Lyon?
Andrew
Canada Sat 02/25/2006

Sweden Rail reservations and Scanpass
I have a Scanrail Pass and I do not understand how to reserve trains in Sweden. We will be traveling in a couple months and we were able to reserve trains for a small fee in Norway with the railway over the phone (we want to book the SJ Oslo-Stockholm train). Sweden does not sell separate reservations for use with Scanpass. I guess one needs to go to the local station before the trip and pick up the ticket with the Scanpass in hand. But during a busy weekend, that seems kind of dicey. Any ideas?
Michael Swanson <email>
Franklin, TN USA Sat 02/25/2006

Münich B & B
Denise---try the Gasthaus Englischer Garten: http://www.hotelenglischergarten.de/ But don't be surprised if they are full. Münich is one of the sites in Germany for World Cup soccer games during June, and many places are already booked up. Good luck----
Enzian
Seattle, USA Sat 02/25/2006

RE: Italy to Spain (2/23)
Will, a lot can change between now and next fall, but currently, if all you want to do is get from Milan to Barcelona, you have two choices. Fly Vueling. Best fare I found was 30 EUR. Add to that 22.43 EUR taxes and fees plus about 15 EUR to and from airports, and the lowest cost is 67 EUR. For the midday flight you'll have to leave Milan around 9 AM; transportation from BCN gets into Barcelona at 14:50. You will use about 6 hours of daytime.

Better yet, there is a direct night train, EN 372, which leave Milan at 19:50 and gets into Barcelona (Franca) at 9:01. If you buy in advance direct from Trenitalia, you can get a Smart Price fare of €100 pP in a double compartment, and you'll save the cost of a hotel room. This train runs only Mo, We, & Fr.

On the other hand, if you want to see the scenery while you get there, the Bahn website shows a daytime connection of 5 trains, Milan (9:13) to Barcelona (22:53). 13 hours, 40 minutes. Calculating that fare is too difficult.
<email>
USA Sat 02/25/2006

Re:Two days outside of Paris???
Hi Carla, why not Dijon? If you like architecture and gastronomy you will surely like it! It is only 1h40 from Paris with TGV (15 TGV a day)

Here are my pictures to give you an idea... http://www.kodakgallery.fr/BrowsePhotos.jsp?&collid=43499444733

have a great trip :-)
corinne <email>
Dijon, France Sat 02/25/2006

Two days outside of Paris???
Im going to Paris in March and, since I have been before, wanted to get outside of the city for a couple of days at the end of the trip. Tried to arrange Amsterdam but trains and flights arent working. Only have two days, was thinking of the Loire Valley or maybe Brussels - or possibly somewhere closer to the city?? Any recommendations would be appreciated!! Thanks!!!
Carla <email>
La Habra, CA USA Fri 02/24/2006

Car Rental in Germany
I recommend using Auto Europe (www.autoeurope.com), a consolidator that finds you the best rate among several rental companies. If you find a better price by contacting a company directly, Auto Europe promises to either match it or beat it. Book your car at home well in advance of your trip to get the best deal. You can either do it online or call the US toll-free number.
Tim
Minot, ND USA Fri 02/24/2006

Flight Search Recommendation
I would highly recommend the web site http://www.mobissimo.com for finding airfares. I have consistently found the lowest airfares available through that site, whereas Expedia and others don't always have the best deals. Mobissimo searches through practically all of the online airfare search sites, and saves a lot of trouble. The only disadvantage that I have found with it is that you cannot search for open jaw tickets through it.
Bryan <email>
Maryland USA Fri 02/24/2006

Airfare
Laura, I find it best to book ahead, you get better deals the earlier you book. Last minute deals are few and far between and you may get stuck with a bad deal. I would recommend flying to a airport thats cheaper such as into London. From London you can get a direct flight into prague for only $40 each way through www.easyjet.com. Bookings on easyjet are best done early as they get more eexpensive the later you book. Flights throughout europe can be very cheap, ryanair.com is also good! Also check out expedia.com, for flights once you find the cheapest one go to that airlines website directly, you can sometimes get any even better deal by booking directly with the airline. Good Luck
Cora <email>
Vancouver, Canada Fri 02/24/2006

Airfare question
We're going on the Prague tour in July and airfares are currently around $1300 from the midwest. Should we hold out or buy now?
Laura <email>
Ankeny, IA USA Fri 02/24/2006

Venice Treviso
Kathy & Al: there posting below which I assume addresses your request for information to Treviso. Unfortunately it does not answer your question and is wrong on one point. The P. Roma is NOT on the mainland. It is near the Railway station and can be reached by Vaporettos #1 (slow) and 82 (fast). Both leave from San Marco, but # 1 stops at just about every stop, # 82 only at a few, but does stop at Rialto. The bus to Treviso leaves from P.Roma and I believe is <10Euros. It takes around an hour. I am not sure how frequest they are but I seem to remembr hearing that they co-ordinate with Ryanair flights.

If I can help more, email me.
Iain <email>
Edmonton, AB Canada Fri 02/24/2006

car rental and driving in Germany and Austria
We just went to the rental place at the airport--it was quite easy. Request to rent an automatic if that is what you want--stick is standard unless you specify otherwise.

German and Austrian drivers seem to drive much more aggresively than we do here, so be careful. Remember that the "passing lane" on the autobahn is used only for that--stay in the far right lane at all times except to pass. The signs for upcoming exits are listed in the opposite order of ours here--the closest exit is listed last on a sign posting several exits. I'm not sure about Germany and Austria, but I know in Switzerland if a person is at a crosswalk in the middle of a street, you must stop and let them cross. Hope I've helped some.
M
USA Fri 02/24/2006

Tube to Portabello Rd Market and more!
To get anywhere in London, go to the Transport For London's website: www.tfl.gov.uk, and click on "journey planner". Then type in your starting and stopping points. For the market, you want to go to the Notting Hill station. It will then give you several journey options. Click on one of those, and it tells you exactly how long each tube ride is, where to switch, what zones you'll cross, and how long it takes to walk! Very handy.
Sue
Philadelphia, PA USA Fri 02/24/2006

For Dianne: hotels in Turkey
In Istanbul, you probably should stay in Sultanahmet--the old section of the city where the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofia are. There are lots of old Ottoman houses converted into lovely small family run hotels. I've stayed at the Apricot Hotel and the Dersaadet. Both with friendly, English speaking owners, lovely breakfasts on the rooftop with views, and comfortable rooms. I've heard good things about the Sari Konak and the Empress Zoe in the same area. If you are going in the high season, I'd book in advance--they have only fifteen or twenty rooms, so they fill fast. All have websites and email.

In Selcuk, we've stayed at the Hotel Bella--right across from St John's Basilica. Fabulous friendly owners will help with touring and itinerary (and will try to sell you a carpet, though they do take "no" for an answer!) You can watch storks feeding their young while you eat your breakfast. The Hotel Halehan and Hotel Nilya are a bit more upscale, but, even though we can afford to pay more, we'll be returning to the Bella when we return to Turkey this summer.
JER
USA Fri 02/24/2006

Hotel Recommendations in Brussels
Does anyone have any hotel recommendations in Brussels? I'll be there early August for three nights. Also any good day trips from Brussels besides Bruges? Thanks
Bill <email>
Danbury, Ct USA Fri 02/24/2006

car rental germany
Advice for best way to rent a car in Germany? Advice for driving in Southern Germany & Northern Austria?
USA Fri 02/24/2006

Transportation from Venice to airport
www.atvo.it/eng/airport.php?ld=index_vat.php&id=0&var=v is the link to the webpage for the bus service from Venice to Marco Pole airport.
USA Fri 02/24/2006

Dinner near Eiffel Tower
Any recommendations for a good, reasonable restaurant for our family of four? One night we would like to take an evening boat cruise to see the lights of Paris and see the Eiffel Tower all lit up. Rick has some recommendations but just wanted to know if anyone else had a good one.
Alexandra Martella <email>
Longmont, CO USA Fri 02/24/2006

Kid-friendly hotels in Munich, Vienna & Austria
Could those of you who have been to these cities with small children recommend (or warn against) any specific hotels? We're going in late April/early May with a 3 year old and an 8 month old and we want to be centrally-located so we can head back for much-needed naps. Any other tips for things to do with kids in these places are welcome! Thank you.
Smith
Switzerland Fri 02/24/2006

Champ de Mars Hotel
We have stayed at the Champ de Mars a number of times. Try to get the room listed as large double. They are nice sized and have a bed about equivalent to our queen. The regular double is about standard for European hotels. We have stayed in a number of Paris hotels and find the CDM to be probably the best for the money. Nice room and bathroom and staff, especially Steffan, very hospitable. The web address listed below is good. I just checked it out. Takes you directly to their site.
Tom
USA Fri 02/24/2006

RE: Teansportation from Venice to Airport
If you take the vaparetto to Piazza Roma, which is on the mainland, the bus will take you to the airport. Vaparetto cost 5 Euro and the bus cost 2 Euro
USA Fri 02/24/2006

The Hotel du Champs de Mars
The place does have small rooms, but it is a comfortable place competitively priced. The owners were nice people and speak English. I haven't stay there in a few years. You have to book early and I sometimes jump on the train as it leaves the station. If the C de M is all booked when you plan to be in Paris, the Hotel Muguet is about the same price, with bigger rooms and a larger than normal bathroom. The breakfast is also larger than usual. The owner there is also pleasant and has English speaking staff. The Eber-Mars is also a good place, larger than normal rooms and a gentleman for an owner. Suggest you try the Hotel du Champs de Mars web site: www.hotel-du-champs-de-mars.com There is also an email address.
USA Fri 02/24/2006

Donna --Rental contract
I've dealt with the two companies you mention. Can you offer a specific about the contract needing deciphering? Also, it is not really a rental contract you get from Auto Europe. That comes when you pick up the car and is with the rental agency so you should expect to sign a contract in Italy. Auto Europe, etc, provide you with a downloadable confirmation that you take with you to the rental agency. Sometimes there are small road use taxes to pay and are due when you return the car. Your confirmation will list this and will also list all money you paid and any that is due. You can pay in advance. It will also list the car you are getting by classification group and the amenities and insurances provided and those which are options you ordered at additional cost. If you read the confirmation order, you will have no surprises. It is organized in an orderly way and is in clear English. The car is one of the "first time jitters" you can put away.
USA Fri 02/24/2006

Spanish Steps Hotel - for Julie
Julie,

Here are two hotels close to the Spanish Steps: http://www.hotelpanda.it (cheap for Rome) http://www.hoteljulia.it (moderate for Rome)

Take a look at the web sites and on Trip Advisor. But do keep in mind that Rome is fairly small, so as long as you have a centrally located hote, you'll be reasonably close to the Spanish Steps.
Traveler
Vancouver, Canada Fri 02/24/2006

Appropriate Dress for Concerts
I'm thinking of buying tickets to a concert at the Festival Hall in Salzburg in June. As we're packing light I want to make sure we will have appropriate clothing with us. Is there anyone out there with experience at this? Will a khaki skirt be good enough, or would I really need to wear something formal? Would my husband need to wear coat and tie?

Thanks for the help!
Jill <email>
HI USA Thu 02/23/2006

Re:Friendly Europeans
Marv, even though most Europeans (most of the world, really) disagree with the policies of our government they do NOT take it out on the American tourist. You will be treated with the same dignity that you give to them. I traveled to Europe for a full month right after the Iraq invasion and then again immediately after the Abu Ghraib prison photos were released. I was very concerned both times before I left, but I shouldn't have been and neither should you. The trips were wonderful and I was treated very well everywhere I went. Europeans are quite worldly and mature and if you do engage them respectfully on politics or world events you will find them highly informed and able to discuss these issues thoughtfully and without rancor. Most of the time this will never come up unless you bring it up. There is so much to see and do and converse about with your new friends--and you will make some if you just put out a little effort. A smile and a kind word will open many doors. Let go of all worries along these lines and get ready for a wonderful time!
Rich
Mount Vernon , WA USA Thu 02/23/2006

Tripadvisor.com website
I use tripadvisor.com to research hotels as well. But always keep in mind that people are 10 times more likely to complain then they are to praise. If you want a good laugh type "hotel carter" into tripadvisor :)
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Thu 02/23/2006

Tripadvisor.com website
For Julie- I love the RS Website but have recently started looking on www.tripadvisor.com for actual reviews of hotels from paying guests. The Pantheon Hotel, for example, was listed with lots of nice comments- sometimes the one you're wondering about isn't, but you can always try. I think it complements the RS site when in the planning stages of a trip and I wish I had known about it sooner!
Karen
USA Thu 02/23/2006

TAKING THE TUBE
I WANT TO GO TO THE PORTOBELLO MARKETS ON SATURDAY MORNING, SPEND THE DAY THERE, AND THEN HEAD TO A RESTAURANT CALLED "RULES" NEAR COVENT GARDENS. CAN I CATCH THE TUBE FOR THE WHOLE DAYS EVENTS, AND IF SO, HOW MANY ZONES DO I NEED PAY FOR? ALSO, CAN I WALK FROM THE BRITISH MUSEUM TO RULES? HOW FAR IS THE WALK? I AM STAYING IN PADDINGTON AND WONDER WHAT SORT OF PASS I SHOULD BE [TRAVEL PASS, OR TUBE PASS] AND WONDERED ABOUT THE BEST WAYS TO SEE THE SIGHTS, STARTING FROM PADDINGTON.
AUNDREA <email>
B.C. CANADA Thu 02/23/2006

Friendly Europeans
From my five-week trip through Europe last year, I found Europeans to be very kind. Positive American sentiment is definitely down, due to President Bush's actions during his terms, but most Europeans I met did not treat me badly because of our government.
USA Thu 02/23/2006

Anne: Nice Hotels
Not quite in your price range but awfully "nice": The Hotel Suisse, http://www.hotels-exclusive.com/hotels/suisse/index_en.htm
Ray <email>
Tacoma, WA USA Thu 02/23/2006

Scooter rentals
Has anyone experience with renting motor scooters in Italy? I own a Malaguti 150 and think that would be a wonderful way to tour the country. Even though the Italians build great scooter someone said that the rental places do not maintain them very well.
Bob <email>
Centennial, CO USA Thu 02/23/2006

Transportation from Venice to Venice Treviso Airport
We're looking for the least expensive transportation from Venice (in city) to the Venice Treviso Airport. Has anyone done this before? I believe there is a bus that will take you to that airport, but I don't remember where to pick it up and how to get to that bus terminal.
Kathy & Al
Tucson, Arizona USA Thu 02/23/2006

Friendly Europeans
We travelled through Europe several years ago and found the people to be wonderfully friendly. A friend was telling us that due to political differences, many of the Europeans are less friendly or even a bit surly.

Have any of you found this to be true?
Marv <email>
Milwaukie , OR USA Thu 02/23/2006

Luggage on the London Underground
I'm helping my nephew move to Luton for school. Between us, we will have a total of 4 (62") cases & 2 (45") carry-ons. I understand the after 0930 policy, but is it going to be a problem to schlep this much luggage from Heathrow Airport to Kings Cross, then transfer to the Thameslink to Luton?
jaybee
USA Thu 02/23/2006

For Dianne re: Turkey
Here's a great website! www.turkeytravelplanner.com
jaybee
USA Thu 02/23/2006

Pantheon B&B in Rome?
Has anyone heard of or stayed at the Pantheon B&B in Rome? They have availability for our trip, and it sounds like a perfect location (across from the Pantheon), but I just found it on a website. I'd love to hear some feedback from someone who knows about it. Thanks!!
Julie
Raleigh-Durham, NC USA Thu 02/23/2006

Spain car rental
My husband and I will be flying into Madrid from Barcelona in May, and from there traveling south to the coast and heading over to Portugal where we will fly out of Lisbon back to US. Does anyone know if it is best to pick up a car in Madrid or travel by train south to Granada (area) and pick up a car? We want to delay the car pickup as long as possible so my husband has a break from driving. We have not determined our route yet but plan to hit many of Rick's highlights.
Teri <email>
Newport Beach, CA USA Thu 02/23/2006

Will: Train to Barcelona from Milan.............
That's a long distance by land and over the Alps and Pyrenees mountains. My Euro-train map indicates it would be about 16 hours of travel time plus any connections. There is an overnight train that might work for you though, and would save the cost of a Hotel. Cost unknown.

Conversly, it's a 1 hour 55 minute flight (11:40am - 1:35pm) from MXP to BCN that costs $80 USD on Vueling Airline (Who?).
Ray <email>
Tacoma, WA USA Thu 02/23/2006

Recommendations for places to stay in Nice, France.
Can anyone recommend a good place to stay in Nice for one night? Maximum budget is about 90 euros. Thanks!!
Anne
Vancouver, BC Canada Thu 02/23/2006

RE: Palm Pilot
Sue, I notice you said you were using a converter. There are two kinds of converters. One type says it is good for up to 1600W, and simply "chops" the wave form down to 120V. This type is suitable for things like hair dryers or curling irons, but can damage electronic devices.

The second type uses a small transformer. It gets a wave form suitable for electronics, but can only handle up to 50-80 W.

There is also a third "kind", which just incorporates both types with a selector switch.

Best advice is only buy electronics that have power supplies for dual (120-240) voltage. That is safer and avoids the extra weight of a converter.
CO USA Thu 02/23/2006

Orvieto Accommodations
SP - We enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Corso in the historical center of Orvieto, Italy. It was one of Rick's recommendations. You can google it or the e-mail address I used is: hotelcorso@libero.it We took the bus to Civito di Bagnoregio - outstanding!
Sue <email>
AZ USA Thu 02/23/2006

traveling with Rx
Betsy, could you have your pharmacisit give you smaller bottles with the perscription label for just the amount of pills you need to take during the trip? I would think that this would take care of the must have original container regulation but also mean you wouldn't have to carry a three month supply if you were only going for a week or so.
Sharon R. Johnson
Lincoln, Nebraska USA Thu 02/23/2006

Hotel near Spanish Steps
Hotel Regno is also quite nice, and only a short (10 minutes?) walk from the Spanish Steps.
Tom
St. Louis, USA Thu 02/23/2006

Hotel Near Spanish Steps
The Hotel Aberdeen is relatively near Spanish Steps and is recommended by Rick. That is where we will be staying!
Alexandra Martella <email>
Longmont, CO USA Thu 02/23/2006

Car Rental in Italy
For Donna - I don't know what is on the contracts that is confusing so I'll take the risk of stating some things you may already know--just in case you don't. Since Auto Europe is a consolidator, cars rented through them are provided by several different rental companies. For example, my car in Ireland was from Budget and in France it was from Europcar. Auto Europe promises to match or beat any deal you find by going directly to a company yourself. I was extremly well pleased with their service. Nearly every post I've read on this and other boards is a positive one. If you have specific questions on the contracts, I suggest you call AE's toll-free number.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Thu 02/23/2006

Palm Pilot
I took my Palm last year because I have all my genealogy on it and we were going to find ancestoral homes. One of the challenges was charging it. Since we rented a car, I brought along a car charger and didn't have to mess with the charger at the B&B.

Good thing I did, because when I plugged in my battery charger for my digital camera to the convertor and added the adapter plug, I promptly blew my battery charger. Something went haywire and I glad the problem was with my $20 battery charger rather than my $200+ Palm!
Sue
USA Thu 02/23/2006

one more ferry question
Oh and I forgot to ask also what ferry would take us back to pireaus from santorini since I also don't find that ANEK offers this itinerary? And any feedback on the ANEK ferry line? They appear to have a nice fleet of boats. Thanks
katie <email>
Meridian, ID USA Thu 02/23/2006

Ferry boat suggestions
Does anyone know of a ferry line in Greece that goes from Chania to Santorini? I found ANEK for our first leg to Chania, Crete from Pireaus, but not a one for the second leg of our trip. Traveling in October. Thanks
Katie <email>
Meridian, ID USA Thu 02/23/2006

Hotel near Spanish Steps
Julie - We are going to Rome this summer also and we are staying near the Spanish Steps on the famous street Via Veneto at the Hotel Alexandra http://www.hotelalexandraroma.com/en/default.htm I read a bunch of website reviews and this one looked good. Not cheap but not 5 star either. Breakfast is included.
Sally <email>
El Dorado Hills, CA USA Thu 02/23/2006

Hotel du Champ de Mars-Paris
Has anyone stayed at the Hotel du Champ de Mars in Paris lately? We will be there March 12 and I know the rooms are small, but is there any more info anyone can give?
Lisa
Groves, Tx USA Thu 02/23/2006

Prescription medications
I take the exact number of pills I need in one of those little containers with a slot for each day. I remove the labels from the prescription bottles and carry them along. However, in 12 trips to (and from) I've never even been questioned, so I don't know if this technically complies with the law.
USA Thu 02/23/2006

Credit cards in Europe
I have since done some more online research. According the Chip and PIN site, credit cards not upgraded to a chip&PIN card should still work as normal with a signature. It specifically mentions overseas customers whose country has not gone to the chip and PIN system. However, be warned, my colleague did get his card declined b/c it wasn't a chip and PIN card. But, based on the websites info, I'll assume his problems were due to store/bank employees not yet understanding the new system. I'd still be curious to know if anyone else has already run into this problem?
Tara <email>
Gallipolis, OH USA Thu 02/23/2006

Credit cards in Europe
I've heard that starting just a few weeks ago, many European countries have gone to the "chip and PIN". According to one of my work colleagues, your credit card will no longer be accepted (even for a swipe purchase) without both a PIN number (which I have) and your credit card must contain a compatable chip. Does anyone else know anything about this? He speicifically told me the UK was already doing this and he was told while there that other European nations were as well. Any furhter info would be greatly appreciated!
Tara <email>
Gallipolis, OH USA Thu 02/23/2006

Italy to Spain
Wife and I are going to Italy, Spain, and Portugal this fall. Wondering if it would be too long or a waste of travelling time to ride train from Milan to Barcelona in one trip.
Will Person <email>
Austin, TX USA Thu 02/23/2006

ROME HOTELS - SPANISH STEPS
FOR JULIE: Maybe this website will help:

http://www.roma-hotels.com/rome-lodging/Spanish%20steps.htm
Graham <email>
Thu 02/23/2006

Julie w the Spainish Steps question
Since the SS are 100 yards from the Metro, you can stay anywhere, but feel to contact me for some specific ideas.
Bob <email>
Gettysburg, PA USA Thu 02/23/2006

Auto Europe
For Donna- We used AutoEurope and the company was very reliable- easy to contact prior to the trip at their Boston office, and, when we had to change our drop- off point from Siena to Florence they didn't mind. They also at that time (summer 2005) had a free cell- phone rental offer- you might ask about that if you decide to go ahead with this company.
Karen
USA Thu 02/23/2006

Need Hotel recommendation in Rome - Near Spanish Steps
My husband just told me that we're going to Rome this summer and to start planning. I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself! We will be meeting up with friends who are staying near the Spanish Steps, so we'd like to find a hotel close by there. Do any of you Rome experts have recommendations? We don't want to spend too much, but we don't want to go cheap. I bought Rick's Rome book, but he seems to focus on hotels in different areas. I found one near the Piazza d. Quirinale, but is that too far to walk frequently to the Steps? Thanks for your help!!
Julie
Raleigh-Durham, NC USA Thu 02/23/2006

Rxs not in original bottle
Betsy-though I've heard on this board the problems you might face with prescriptions taken out of the bottle, I have never had this problem myself. I always take the few Rx's and OTC meds out of their original bottle and put into a small plastic bag. Of course, I only take the # of pills I require for the trip so by the time I get back to the US I don't have anything but OTC left anyway.
USA Thu 02/23/2006

Renting Cars in Italy
Renting cars in Italy. I have two quotes, one from Europe by Car and one from Auto Europe. Any hints in deciphering the contracts is greatly appreciated. This is my first trip to Europe and I don't want my rental car to be a problem
Donna <email>
Kennewick, WA USA Wed 02/22/2006

traveling with Rx
Traveling with RXs into Europe usually isn't a big deal. You have to be careful on your return back to the USA. IF US Customs singles you out and does a hand check of your luggage and you don't have the original bottles with the label, they are gonna give you a hard time. It has happened to me at Newark Airport. Having the original containers is required by law, so it is best to comply.
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Wed 02/22/2006

Horseback riding in Ireland and/or Northern Ireland
I'm an experienced rider and would love to trail ride (no more than 1/2 a day) while in Ireland/N.Ireland. We'll be staying in Armagh and Dublin in mid-April. Any suggestions of a safe, reputable place with good horses and nice trails in the vicinity of either of those cities?
Marti <email>
South Windsor, CT USA Wed 02/22/2006

traveling with Rx
I take a number of Rx and each comes in a very large bottle (a three month supply). In the interest of traveling light, I want to take them out of the original containers, but the current advise is not to do so. Has anyone had experience taking drugs (not narcotics) to and from the UK without the original containers?
Betsy <email>
USA Wed 02/22/2006

Althorp
Sue from Az., You need to purchase your tickets to Althorp in advance. Here are two numbers 011-44-870-167-9000 and/or 11-44-1804-770107. They are not sold at the gate. You can get a train from Euston Station in London to Northampton then you will get a coach to Althorp. There are two trains in the morning 8:45 and 9:40 then the next one is 12:45. Have fun.
USA Wed 02/22/2006

Ash Wednesday in Rome?
I am traveling to Italy next week and I only today realized we will be in Rome on Ash Wednesday. I've been trying to figure out if museums, shops, etc., will be closed. The Vatican museum is open, but I'm guessing everything at the Vatican will be a zoo that day. Does anyone know what I can expect in Rome on such a big religious holiday?
Amanda
Kansas USA Wed 02/22/2006

How long to spend in St. Gallen, Appenzell, Stein am Rhein area?
I'm planning on visiting the Appenzell, St. Gallen, Stein am Rhein area in Switzerland. I can spend as little as one day and as much as 3-4 days there. How long do you recommend I stay there? Would if be feasible to base myself there and take a day trip to Luzern? Thanks for your help.
Gary <email>
Cary, NC USA Wed 02/22/2006

Planning yourself: Germany
Ada---May is a good time to go to Germany---the weather is generally nice, things are blooming, and the countryside is lovely. You CAN plan this trip yourself---it is fun and very rewarding. Use Rick and a couple of other guidebooks to decide where you want to go and what to see. Don't try to do everything; keep it a compact trip. Then use the internet to research further on places to stay, or ask here for recommendations. Most places take reservations by e-mail, or certainly by fax. Train travel is very easy and gets you anywhere you want to go with no parking or route-finding hassles. The schedules are all available on the internet. "On2Europe" below greaciously invited you to write for help, and is very knowledgeable.

One warning: I planned my first trip myself (to Germany and Italy) seven years ago, and it was so much fun I can't stop---I've been back every year since and am now planning two years ahead.
Enzian
Seattle, USA Wed 02/22/2006

accommodations in Turkey
I'm looking for small hotel or B&B accommodations,3 star or better, in Istanbul and Selcuk. Any suggestions?
dianne <email>
Canada Wed 02/22/2006

self-guided bike/hike tours
Has anyone had any experience with a self-guided bike/hike tour company called Discover France? We are looking for moderately priced bike/hike tours in France. Thanks.
A
Columbus, OH USA Wed 02/22/2006

Apartment in Amsterdam
Has anyone had any experience with www.lovingamsterdam.com as a site to search apartments for rent in Amsterdam? If so, are they any good? and in which did you stay?
Katie <email>
Minneapolis, MN USA Wed 02/22/2006

World Cup 2006
First matches are June 9. Finals are July 9.
USA Wed 02/22/2006

Barge rental
Patty, We found ours on a Google search about 3 years ago. The individual sites had everything spelled out and web contacts for you.
Martha
Cape Ana, USA Wed 02/22/2006

Re: Ada
Ada -- you should be fine in May. Germany is a wonderful country with lots to see that isnt covered in Rick's book. You could spend quite a lot of time just in Munich and Bavaria alone (a good place to start if youre coming out of Italy by train.) However, understand that with the World Cup going on this summer, June is going to be hectic. Hope this helps, and have a fabulous time!
Tom
St. Louis, USA Wed 02/22/2006

A French wedding
This can be daunting because the fine points of French social correctness vary with social level. La bonne societie of Paris is more likely to center on detail. Those in the "hexagon" may be tied to protocols. But, like ours, French social practices vary by region, age, religion, etc. For example, you could know a Parisien family for years and never be invited to dinner in the home. In rural Provence, you could be invited to a neighbor's home for several hours of wine tasting and conversation. Contact via email if you wish to go into detail.
D. Ikkey <email>
USA Wed 02/22/2006

Canal boat/barge rental
Has anyone done a canal boat rental with kids? It seems like a good option, as they can spread out while you're moving and then you can stop when you feel like it and go ashore. Since you can sleep on board - and eat some meals as well it seems like it is cost effective but I'm worried about hidden costs.. especially fuel... any input?
Patty
USA Wed 02/22/2006

stay in munich
My family and i will be in Munich and are looking for a b&b....any suggestions? We will be on eurorail. thank, denise
iowa USA Wed 02/22/2006

To Ada....i do know that the world cup is going on in germany and it starts sometime in june...denise
denise
iowa USA Wed 02/22/2006

European trip planners
Ada,

Rick’s guidebook is a good start, but there is a lot more to see in Germany than just what is in his book. Do some research in other guidebooks, on the internet.

Figure out what you want to see. Prioritize it.

Learn how to use the bahn website, reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en, to get schedules and fares. Learn about the rail specials; you probably won’t need a rail pass.

I've spent ten weeks in Germany in the past five years. Write to me.
<email>
USA Wed 02/22/2006

First Time European Trip Planners
My husband & I traveled to Italy for our honeymoon. We booked our trip through a travel agent & once there, realized we paid for not much information other than knowing flight times, hotel reservations & train tickets to get from one city to another. We would like to visit Germany...hopefully in May of this year (thoughts on visiting this time of year?)...and would like to book this trip all on our own, but are nervous. We have the Rick Steves' guide...any suggestions for doing this ourselves???
Ada
AL USA Wed 02/22/2006

Bellagio/ Menaggio
My husband and I stayed in Menaggio at a small hotel called Albergo Vapore. It was not a luxury hotel by any means, but it had a lot of character, a small balcony with views of the lake, a restaurant, and friendly staff. It was only around 60 Euros per night. We opted to stay out of Bellagio because the prices are more expensive there. If you're looking for a more upscale place, there are those as well with the price tag to match. Either way you go, Lake Como is beautiful and you will end up hopping from town to town anyway on the ferry.
Holly
Chicago, USA Wed 02/22/2006

Back support for Janie
Janie--if you have had medical treatment, consult your doctor or perhaps a physical therapist you have worked with while recuperating. You do not want to choose something yourself which may not be correct and could cause you more harm than good.
a nurse
MD USA Wed 02/22/2006

Madrid!
Heylo from Madrid!

I am a student on a budget and I need some advice on food, drink and music. Do you peeps know where there are some inexpensive tapas and some live music, not necessary together. All help will earn 10 karma points instantly!!!!

kArA
Kara
sd, ca USA Wed 02/22/2006

Bellagio/Menaggio
Any opinions on the better place to stay. Bellagio or Menaggio? Does anyone have any accommodation suggestions. Your help is appreciated.
Helen and Bill
USA Wed 02/22/2006

France
Jan, I suggest you check out Journeywoman.com It is a special travel site for women travellers and has lots of info on Paris from women.
Jenelle
BC Canada Tue 02/21/2006

French Manners
I don't know the answer to your questions, but I have a suggestion. Ask the bride. If she doesn't know, ask her to discretely ask her fiance.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Tue 02/21/2006

Back support
Maybe one of those supports that workers who do heavy or repetitive lifting wear. I don't mean a leather belt worn by weight lifters, but something like those worn in nursing homes by people who have to lift the elderly or disabled into wheel chairs. I bet you could find a supplier through a google search under <> or <> or some similar search words. Or a back specialist might help. If podiatrists can make supports for our feet that fit comfortably in our shoes, maybe a chiropracter can do the same for a person's back.
USA Tue 02/21/2006

Help please with my French manners
I am at a loss as to what to do. I dearly hope someone who knows of such things can offer some advice. My now invalided brother and I raised another brother's two daughters. They were orphaned while very young. Now, eldest is to marry a wonderful young Frenchman whom she met while she studied at Avignon. It is to be a church and a civil ceremony according to tradition. My question is, who gives our darling young woman away? My invalided brother is the only family male and he cannot attend because of his poor health. We wondered about suggesting he join us via video phone. Do the French do such things, or, might a male of the groom's familly be a proxy? And I, is it proper for me to remain as his family's guest for a week or two after the ceremonies. They've suggested a month or two, but of course I have no way of knowing if it is proper of me to accept such an offer of hospitality, or treat it as a gesture that I am expected to decline. They've already assumed all of the related expenses that attach to the bride.
Melba v.Fremd
Minn USA Tue 02/21/2006

Back support & Travel
Having recovered from a back injury this past year, I'm ready to begin short trips and eventually longer jaunts- with extended flying. Does anyone have a recommendation on a brand/type of support for the lower and middle back? Something that is portable which I can carry on a plane without too much hassle or bulkiness. Appreciate your feedback.
Janie
Los Angeles, CA USA Tue 02/21/2006

BARCELONA APARTMENTS
These are a few websites where you can find apartments for rent in Barcelona.

www.apartime.com

www.chicandbasic.com

http://www.gobcn.com/CORSEGA/Corsega_ap.html

http://www.cocoonbarcelona.com/Apartment_Barcelona_select_01-en.htm
Claudia <email>
Peru Tue 02/21/2006

Bananas in Italy
Dot, yes, I saw them everywhere while I was there last fall, no worries!
USA Tue 02/21/2006

Como to Zürich
Diane---I assume by "best" route back to Zürich you don't mean the shortest. That would be the direct train from Como, which takes you to Zürich in 3 hours and 45 minutes, via Arth-Goldau. There may be places along that route where you could debark and spend some time. But if you have four days, I suggest you take the very scenic Centovalli ("hundred valleys") train from Locarno to Domodosola. It's a narrow-guage railway that crosses 83 bridges in 55 km. It won't show on the regular train schedules--go to Centovalli.ch to find information and schedules. From Domodosola, catch the main north-south train coming up from Milan to Brig in Switzerland. At Brig, you could easily make a sidetrip to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn. Or, for a quieter place, take the train 20 minutes east to Betten, ride a gondola up to the car-free village of Bettmeralp, and gaze on some of the most incredible scenery anywhere. There are many places to stay there; we like the Hotel Panorama. Or, you could stay on the train from Brig through the Lötschberg tunnel to the town of Kandersteg, well situated in a valley with broad views and mountains all around. Above the town is a beautiful lake you can reach either on foot or by chairlift. The hotel there serves teriffic meals and you can overnight there. Or, for more of a city experience, overnight in either Spiez or Thun, both lakeside towns; you can travel between them or over to Interlaken by lake steamer, and there is a castle at Oberhofen. It's a short trip back to Zürich from these places. Have fun.
Enzian
Seattle, USA Tue 02/21/2006

Germany in late fall
Karen, we go to Germany about once a year so I watch the prices on a regular basis but I usually go in the very northern part of Germany so the south may be a little different due to Oktoberfest. The prices begin to fall in October and will continue thru November so I'd advise looking towards that time. The weather can still be livable but you should dress accordingly. One option is to look at going into Berlin or Hamburg then taking a train to other destinations. The flight would be cheaper that way. If you can hold off until our Thanksgiving, they will begin to celebrate Christmas and its much different than ours. Christmas fairs usually are usually in small towns and they have a wide variety of crafts, foods, and drinks geared specifically towards the season.
LC
Tn USA Tue 02/21/2006

Weather
Tom, try these: www.weather.com, or accuweather.com These should help.
Norma
CO USA Tue 02/21/2006

weather
My family is leaving for a 3 week trip to Europe in late June. We'll arrive in London June 16 2006 for a week, go to Lausanne Switzerland for a week, then Paris for the final week returning in early July. I need help/advise on the temperature and weather to expect and clothing to take along. Thanks
Tom Rawlinson <email>
Cordova, TN USA Tue 02/21/2006

Travel to Germany
My husband and I had originally planned on flying to Munich in May but have since decided to delay it until the fall, airfare costs and we want to save more money. Can anyone tell me what a good time in September, October & November would be to go? We don't want to spend time at Oktoberfest, planned to travel into Austria and Switzerland before probably coming back to Munich to spend a few days before leaving. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Karen <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Tue 02/21/2006

Sleeping in Convents
The Church of Santa Susanna, home of the American Catholic Church in Rome, provides informations on sleeping in convents in Rome and other Italian cities. Visit www.santasusanna.org/comingToRome/convents.html.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Tue 02/21/2006

picking grapes in Italy
The information the poster requested is at several places on the internet one of which sets a date of October 1-6 in Tuscany. If you do not know how to find the information, type in any search engine at the top of your provider home or opening page. Google is a good engine and will provide several links--mostly travel tours--if you feed it something simple such as "picking grapes in Italy." The trick to finding anything on the net is being able to concisely state your search. Good luck.
USA Tue 02/21/2006

convents or religious orders
We're going to be in Rome and Venice in September. Anyone have information on good convents to stay in? We've heard they are clean and reasonable in price. Is language a problem?
Chic and Nancy <email>
Cadillac, MI USA Mon 02/20/2006

Italy & Switzerland
My husband and I are spending 3 nights in Gimmelwald, Switzerland and then need to head to Lake Como to meet up with some friends. After this we have 4 days to make it to Zurich for the trip home. Any suggestions on the "best" route to take by train... including best towns to visit and spend a day.
Diane <email>
Pasadena, CA USA Mon 02/20/2006

Alternative to Lascaux?
Another alternative to Lascaux would be a visit to the prehistoric cave of Pech Merle. We found it in Rick's book. After visiting St. Cirq Lapopie, a small medieval village which sits above the Lot River, we drove to the Grotte de Pech-Merle near Cabrerets. It was very impressive, with some cave paintings from 14,000 to 25,000 years old. There were beautiful paintings of horses and mammoths. We called for reservations while at the Auberge du Sombral in St. Cirq Lapopie. After that, we visited the Dordogne region.
Sue <email>
AZ USA Mon 02/20/2006

Bike is Europe
Dear Joan and Tommmy, we have rented motorcycles 3 times from Moto Center Thun. Thun Switzerland. Not Harleys, BMW. I have seen Harleys for rent in Zurich, but I would not drive anywhere near a big city so Zurich is out. Driving a bike in the Alps is a wonderful experience! or should I say wonderbar? Not cheap but fun. The best weather for the Alps is end of August, begining of Sept. Think GPS. I have some great routes if you want them.
Joanne <email>
El Dorado Hills, CA USA Mon 02/20/2006

For Lisa and the grapes!
Have you considered staying at an agriturismo in Tuscany? As working farms catering to paying guests this might be an option to satisfy your desire to participate in the harvest.
USA Mon 02/20/2006

specific food
Will I be able to find bananas easily in Italy? Required for my diet.
dot
arcata, ca USA Mon 02/20/2006

Palm Pilot - one more thing!
We are going to bring along an ipod video for storing pics. It seems like the most compact way to store thousands of pictures. A 60 gig will also hold several movies. I'm not sure how easy it would be to download pics onto a palm, but I know its possible. Just haven't tried it. Good Luck!
USA Mon 02/20/2006

Palm Pilot
I recently bought a palm pilot for our 5 week trip this summer! I plan on using it to store essential information, but the biggest reason I got it is for my 11 year old to use it for reading Ebooks. He's an avid reader, and I don't want to carry a bunch of books with me. Frommers offers a lot of their books in ebook format. I wish Rick would go that route also!

As far as internet access - we'll probably just find internet cafes along the way.
Jill
USA Mon 02/20/2006

Alt to staying in Munich
Although Augsburg might be a little far out timewise (45 minutes to downtown Munich), if prices in Munich are high because of an event, and you can get a good price outside, I don't think "side tripping" is a bad value. For two people, a Bayern ticket costs 25 EUR and includes your trip in and out as well as all the means of transport within Munich. In comparison, a partner day ticket in the just the inner zone is 8 EUR.

Whats more, the S-Bahn lines go far out into the country, and a day ticket for the entire MVV is 16 EUR.

I regularly stay in the eastern suburbs at a hotel nicer than a similarly priced one downtown. The trip into Marienplatz takes 25 minutes. Many "in town" accommodations that are not on an S-Bahn or U-Bahn line take 15 minutes. A partner day ticket costs me 2,50 EUR more than an inner zone one.
USA Mon 02/20/2006

Lascaux caves
Lascaux caves are fascinating, not at all tacky. Would never have known that they are not original. Spent a week in the Dordogne region in 1999. Loved it. Very relaxing. Best part was canoeing the river with the castles of the Hundred Year War perched on the cliffs/hills above you. Would recommend renting a car in southern France. While train service is excellent, you really need to get out in a car to get a feel for the countryside and to explore all the wonderful little towns and villages.
Conny
Williamsburg, Va USA Mon 02/20/2006

Palm Pilot dummy here
Okay, I am the first to admit I'm techno-challenged, but I'm thinking that traveling with a Palm or Palm-type organizer might be helpful. I'm primarily thinking of the voice recorder, Wi-Fi, email, and word-processing functions. There's an HP model out there that even comes with a keyboard so I can journal every night. Plus reduce my paper load, and bring ebooks (I am a speed reader and usually blow through a book a week minimum). And I can apparently download my photos for storage too. Has anyone got any ideas about this?
Lori <email>
Palo Alto, Ca USA Mon 02/20/2006

Airline's responsibility
It depends on how you made the reservation. If you did it directly with the airline then call them and demand different flights. If you made the reservation with a thrid party(travel agaent or a site like expedia), then they will have to straighten it out.
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Mon 02/20/2006

Peloponesian Road Route
My wife and I are planning to spend a night near ancient Olympia in Greece. We have hotel reservations the next night in Nauplion. Anyone have a recommended route for our rental car?
Mike Underwood <email>
Tallahassee, FL USA Mon 02/20/2006

Lascaux?
Hello- I am beginning to plan my dream trip to the south of France, fully "armed" with Rick's books, of course :) Lascaux captured my imagination as a child, but the more I investigate the more I'm not sure seeing a re- creation won't be depressing. Does anyone have suggestions for an alternative "in situ" site? Or, been to Lascaux recently and can convince me it's not "tacky"! Also, it's looking like a car is a real necesssity- is that the case for the central and south areas of France as much as Tuscany? It does seem better served by trains. Thank you!
USA Mon 02/20/2006

Airline's responsibility
We made reservations 9 mo. ago for a trip to Italy. We have just found out they changed the time of our flight from Italy with a connection in Paris which then allows us only 10 min. to transfer planes and check in. That is the last flight of the day to Phila. Just wanted to check for any input before calling airline. Thanks for any help.
USA Mon 02/20/2006

Stefanie/baths
It can mean each of the variations you give. Usually, Rick's recommendations are 2 or 3 star which means rooms will have ensuite washrooms. Hostels will not and one star or no stars, commonly called tourist hotels, may have a toilet and basin in the room and a community shower down the hall or on another floor even. You better hope it is not next to your room unless you are a heavy sleeper. Hotels such as Formule 1 have a communal shower/commode room with nothing in individual rooms. They are pretty well maintained but spartan.
USA Sun 02/19/2006

Alternative to Staying in Munich
Has anyone stayed in Augsberg as a home base to visit Munich? There must be a convetion in Munich in mid-May because all of the prices we've been quoted have been sky-high. Just looking for an alternative though I know that Steve says that side-tripping in is a "bad value." Any input would be appreciated.
Meredith <email>
Austin, TX USA Sun 02/19/2006

Bathrooms in hotels
When booking a room with no private bath from Rick Steves' books, is there usually a full bathroom (shower, toilet) in the hallway? Or does no private bath mean that there is only a toilet for use in the hallway and no shower?
Stefanie <email>
London, Ontario Canada Sun 02/19/2006

Barcelona Apartment
Does anyone know of a reasonably priced , nice apartment for two in the center of Barcelona? We will be going for a week in June.
Dennis Milligin <email>
Camino, CA USA Sun 02/19/2006

Paris apartment for Jan
Vacation in Paris (www.VacationInParis.com) has both a studio and a one-bedroom apartment in the 7th, just a block from Rue Cler (they are in the same building, the studio on the ground floor with a patio, and the 1-bdr. upstairs.) We felt it was a very safe street and neighborhood. They have many other apartments in the other arrondisements as well.
Enzian
Seattle, USA Sun 02/19/2006

Grape Harvest
We will be traveling in Tuscany during the fall grape harvest. Does anyone know of a vineyard that allows "Day Laborers"?
Lisa
Lubbock, TX USA Sun 02/19/2006

How long in Rothenberg?
I am going to be visiting Rothenburg in July, and then drive the romantic road to Fussen area. How many nights should I spend in Rothenburg? I definitely want to see Nuremberg. Are there any other places within easy driving distance? Rick does not recommend Heidelberg. What do you think? Thanks for your help.
Gary <email>
Cary, NC USA Sun 02/19/2006

PALERMO TO ROME
This one is remarkably inexpensive: http://w2.volawindjet.it/
USA Sun 02/19/2006

Malta/Gozo
I am planning a trip to Malta in late September. Feedback from anyone who has been there would be helpful. I am thinking of staying in Valletta but am wondering about access to a good swimming beach as transportation sounds cumbersome. I would also appreciate tips on accommodations. I will be traveling solo and would like a little activity but hate big commercial resorts. Thanks in advance for your help.
Jana Pagaran <email>
Seattle, WA USA Sun 02/19/2006

PALERMO TO ROME
FOR KATHY: Try AirOne, see...http://www.flyairone.it/en/
Graham <email>
Sun 02/19/2006

Cheap Airfare from Palermo to Rome
I'm looking for an airline that flys from Palermo to Rome that is less expensive than Alitalia. I've used Volare before, but it looks like they no longer fly to Rome. Anyone that knows of another airline?
Kathy
CA USA Sun 02/19/2006

Frau Liebler - Rothenburg
Has anyone stayed at Frau Liebler's in Rothenburg? Any feedback would be appreciated.
Meredith McCall <email>
Austin, TX USA Sun 02/19/2006

Older single travellers
I am planning a trip to Paris for about 4 weeks in late May and all of June. I am a 59 yo woman in good shape and will be traveling alone. I am looking for input on good agencies for booking a studio or 1 bedroom apartment in the 7th, 6th, or 5th arrondisements. Even though I have been to Paris on two other occasions, I need information on the safest streets for a single woman to stay in the above named areas.

Thanks a lot, Jan
Jan Disney <email>
Lake Charles, LA USA Sun 02/19/2006

Accomodations near Frankfurt
Karlene, I would suggest staying in Rudesheim. It is on the Rhine 30-45 minutes from the Frankfurt airport, and a nice little town with excellent Rick Steves-type hotels and restaurants. Rick doesn't recommend it because it is too touristy for him, but my wife and I have been there twice before flying out of Frankfurt and really enjoyed it. It is a lot of fun, and the bulk of the tourists are German. Both visits we stayed at the Ring Hotel Central, which is a good value, quite comfortable, and has an excellent restaurant. I highly recommend it.
Ron <email>
DeWitt, MI USA Sun 02/19/2006

Parma/ Modena area
We are traveling to the Parma/ Modena area on our way to Umbria and looking for some input on sights in the area. Has anyone taken this trip and have ideas?
Beth
Athens, GA USA Sun 02/19/2006

Venice Accommodations
Has anyone ever stayed at Alloggi La Gondola in Venice? It's by the train station and the price is very reasonable.
Richard
Canada, Sun 02/19/2006

Re:Train Travel in Europe
With the Trenitalia Pass Saver you have "Unlimited travel on the national rail network of Italy, Sicily and Sardinia." "Youth = under 26. Kids 4-11: half adult or saver fare, under 4: free."
Sally
El Dorado Hills, CA USA Sat 02/18/2006

Train travel in Italy
Please help. My wife and two children, ages 4 and 6, are traveling to Italy this summer and are planning on buying a super saver trenitalia pass. After looking at the trenitalia website I am a little concerned that they may not accept the supersaver pass since they don't mention it at all. Has anyone had any experience with this? Also, can the 4 year old travel for free with both parents present and using a supersaver pass?
Michael
Tulsa, Ok USA Sat 02/18/2006

Motorcoach in Ireland
Hello! My husband and I planning to go to Ireland later this year and are looking for a motorcoach tour suggestion. We've never been to Europe and for various reasons the structure of an organized tour appeals to us. We're really looking for a tour that includes Birr Castle/Telescope. We're flexible about other sights, do not drink-so we don't need a a pub type tour, and would like to spend 6 to 9 days. We're in our mid 30's, so we're happy to travel with a diversity of other people, but we don't want a tour group that caters to seniors. Any suggestions and pointers are welcome.
HLC
NJ USA Sat 02/18/2006

Switzerland for the Aussie
There are 2 main routes to Como from Heidelberg. One goes via Karlsruhe and Basel, the other via Stuttgart and Zurich. If you take the Basel route, you could stay in Lucerne, rather than Basel---it's a town on a lovely lake. Others here could recommend a hotel for you. You should be able to see the mountains on the route between Lucerne and Como (if it's not cloudy). If you wish to detour a short distance off the route and actually stay in more of a mountain village, Engelberg is a short distance from Lucerne.
USA Sat 02/18/2006

Prague Accommodation
Regarding accommodation outside of Prague I can highly recommend Vila Lucie. It is a family home situated run by a charming man, who recommended a fantastic local restaurant and gave us many helpful tips and ideas during our stay.

It is a 10 minute walk to the train which will have you at Wenceslas Square in about 15 minutes.

Go to web site: www.vilalucie.cz
Judy <email>
Adelaide, SA Australia Sat 02/18/2006

Swiss alps
we are planning on travelling from Heidleberg to Lake Como. We will be travelling by train and would like to see the Alps. Does anyone have any suggestions for towns and hotels to stay in Switerland. Basel has been recommeded to us. Thank you.
<email>
Australia Sat 02/18/2006

Accommodations NEAR Frankfurt
Karlene,

your question is a little confusing. If you want to go right away to the Romantic Road, then where the Rhein and Mosel meet is a little far from where you want to be.

However, if you indeed plan to spend some time on the Rhein and the Mosel, I would recommend Braubach for your first night (www.braubach.de). It is about 2 hours by train from the airport and a short distance by train from Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhein and Mosel. It is a lovely little town with fachwerk buildings and a castle you can tour on your first afternoon. I had lunch at the Weinhaus Wieghardt. It seemed like a nice place to spend the night and the price is right. I asked the owner if she spoke English and she answered yes, but in German, so ???
<email>
USA Sat 02/18/2006

Accomodations Near (but not in) Frankfurt
We need to find accomodation for our first night in Germany. Will be landing in Frankfurt, and then wanting to start where the Rhine and Mossel meet, to continue down the romantic road. We will be exhausted I would think the first night, so would like to find accomodation close to Frankfurt, but NOT in the city (or a City) Could someone suggest an area close to Frankfurt to stay that would fit into our plans? (For not a lot of money) Thaks
Karlene
USA Sat 02/18/2006

B & B in Barcelona/Paris
Hi- We'll be in Paris and Barcelona during the summer. I'm looking for a quiet place in Barcelona for a few nights' stay. In Paris we'll just be between train connections to either Amsterdam or Nice so a place well located for the train stations is probably most desirable. We'd also consider small hotels. Anyone have any suggestions based on recent stays? Thanks
Penny <email>
San Diego, USA Sat 02/18/2006

Milan B&B or other
Milan for 2 nites -- Flying into Milan and will be there for 2 nites then onward. Any great recommendations for a B&B, pension or other reasonable place for one?
Lee <email>
San Jose, CA USA Sat 02/18/2006

Berner-Oberland Pass
Jill---I'm assuming you would want the B-O Pass to add on to the days you already have on your Eurail Pass, not to overlap. The 7-day B-O Pass gives you 3 days of unlimited free travel, not 4, and 50 percent off on the other 4 days. For the Jungfraubahn above Kleine Scheidig, it only gets you a 50 percent reduction, regardless whether you use it on one of your "free" or "50 percent" days. The price is CHF 220 in second class (fine for Switzerland), with a 20 percent reduction (to CHF 176) IF you hold another type of Swiss railpass---a Eurail Pass will not work to get you that reduction. So your B-O Pass will cost you CHF 220 per adult. Children under 16 are free on Swiss trains when they travel with their parents on a "Family Card". The reason they show a price for children on the B-O Pass website is that children may travel without their parents, and then they need their own ticket. (Notice that children and dogs are the same price!)

We used our B-O Pass together with a Swiss Transfer Pass for a 2-week stay there, and it was a good choice for us. I planned our travel days carefully to maximize the use of the pass. It's nice to be able to just get on the trains without worrying about buying tickets. On the "free" days, make sure you write in the date on the pass before you board the first train of the day, or at least before the conductor comes around.
Enzian
Seattle, WA USA Sat 02/18/2006

Spain/Portugal
Just trying to figure out the best way to "ride the rails" in Spain/Portugal. Flying in and out of Barcelona planning to spend a few days in Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and on to Portugal capital. Am told night train is only option between Madrid and Lisbon and that they aren't too safe so maybe flying is better? Also wondering if purchasing a Eurail pass is a worthy investment or if I should/could buy AVE passes only. Having a hard time making final decision. Never ridden the rails but travelled to Europe many times. Help? Jenny
Jenny <email>
Seattle, WA USA Sat 02/18/2006

Berner-Oberland Pass
My family is planning on spending 5 days in the Berner Oberland area in June and I'm really confused about the Berner Oberland Pass. We have a consecutive day Eurail Pass. It looks like we can buy the pass there, but I'm trying to figure out how much to budget for it, or if we should get the Berner-Oberland regional pass.

I understand the 7 day pass is good for unlimited travel (excluding the final leg up to the Jungfrau) for 4 days and a 50% reduction for the other three days. After looking at the website that Rick points you to I can't figure out the pricing.

Does anyone out there have any experience with this, or advice? I'm also curious about the weather up there in June. Thanks!
Jill <email>
Kailua, HI USA Sat 02/18/2006

Rome Airport Hotel (Ciampino)
Looking for a Hotel close to the Rome Airport (Ciampino). Have a very early flight out and want to make sure that we are on it. Thanks for any help!
Carolyn
NY USA Fri 02/17/2006

Egypt and Baksheesh
Tom - Having visited Cario, Luxor and Aswan this past October, I can tell you that Michael is correct. Baksheesh is part of the culture, but it should only be given as appreciation for a service rendered and in a modest amount. It didn't feel pervasive to me, maybe because it's similar to tipping in the USA or Europe. A restroom attendant would expect baksheesh of either 50 piastres (about 7.5 cents) or one pound (about 15 cents). The bellman in an average tourist hotel or a shuttle driver would be happy with one or two pounds. Even in a very nice hotel, five pounds (about 75 cents) would be adequate. Baksheesh is how many Egyptians earn their living, so pens or pencils would not be an appropriate substitute. Small bills - one pound and 50 piastres - are in short supply and coins are virtually nonexistent. The only coins I saw were on display in a bank window. Our group quickly took up the challenge and enjoyed swapping strategies on how to accumulate the small bills. When worse came to worse, one of us would pull out a five pound note (only 75 cents remember) and treat our tavel companions to a restroom break. Have a little fun with it and you'll do just fine.
Frank
Wilmington, DE USA Fri 02/17/2006

Re: Farmstay near Reutte for Sheryl
I forgot the name until I started surfing the web. It's Gutshof zum Schluxen, in Unterpinswang near Reutte (and they say a 10-minute drive or fair hike from the castles). Here's the website: www.schluxen.com/eng/ or you can read a description on www.travelswithfriends.com; select "small charming hotels" then "Austria" and it will show up. They describe it as a working farm. Hermann was just delightful---I wrote to him in German to make the reservation. When I realized it wouldn't work for us (we had no car and no way to get there) he responded in how sorry he was that he didn't get to meet us. I still want to go some day.
Enzian
USA Fri 02/17/2006

For Linda - Contact for accomodations
Linda, we have had great success with www.rentvillas.com for a wide selection of villas/apt. etc all over Italy. You do pay them a $65.00 u.s charge for the service, but they are very upfront about all fees, their's and any the accomodation will charge extra for (ie: final cleaning, heat if needed etc.)You are in contact with a "live" person who will stay with you as your agent until you find the place you are happy with. I suggest the Tuscany area, Siena in particular for the small hill towns. Good Luck!
Canada Fri 02/17/2006

Re: Mark - Where to Stay in Berlin
Mark- in Berlin, I strongly reccomend Pension Peters (listed in Rick's Guide to Germany/Austria). It's very close to Banhoff Zoo (train station)- about a 5 -10 min pleasent walk. It's in a brownstone type building and is very clean and features bright, funky art on the walls in the guestrooms. Great, cheerful breakfast room is great place to chat/trade travel tips w/ other travelers and owner- woman named Anika- is very nice/helpful. Not sure if it's still there, but a few years back there was a fun bar next door called "Hef". It's in a nice quiet neighborhood and prices are VERY reasoanable.

Being near Banhoff Zoo is very convenient b/c "Berlin Walks" walking tours leave from in front of station, and taking one of their walking tours on your 1st day will give you an excellent/helpful overview of the city (Berlin is a very spread out city, so I found this orientation very helpful- afterwards, over next few days, I was able to go back to the sites I wanted to see in greater detail). The orientation tour ends right in front of the Check Point Charlie Museum, so very convenient to see this interesting museum then. And then from Check Point Charlie Museum, very easy walk to Berlin Jewish Museum (designed by Daniel Liebskind- striking building and very interesting exhibits/history-not to be missed). Berlin is a fascinating city- enjoy!
Lawrence <email>
New York, NY USA Fri 02/17/2006

Transferring through Heathrow
I just went on Heathrow's website and there is a lot of info for connecting passengers under Flying into Heathrow/Connecting Passengers/. The one thing that always surprises me about Heathrow is how long their gates are, so you may be walking quite a distance. You may also need to stand in like at the Flight Connection Centre to pick up your boarding pass for the connecting flight. I would move quickly if I were you. I don't think BA would book you on a connecting flight that you would miss.
Seattle, USA Fri 02/17/2006

Staying near Althorp
Has anyone stayed near Althorp and toured Princess Diana's family estate? Any recommendations on B&Bs or hotels? Would it be easy to drive from the Cotswold region for a day trip? Or is it easier to take a train from London to a nearby town and use a taxi or bus for transport?
Sue <email>
AZ USA Fri 02/17/2006

Paris to Murren by train
Sounds like a fun trip!

Be aware though, that the funicular train service from Lauterbrunnen to Grutshalp is scheduled to be very limited and/or closed from June - November 2006. It's my understanding that they're replacing it with an aerial cable car because they've had increasing problems with landslides and slippage on the funicular tracks.

According to the BLM schedule, it looks as if the service will be replaced or supplemented with the post-bus/cable car route via Stechelberg. Essentially, there will be fewer trains and the service will end in the early evening. To get the latests and most accurate info, I'd suggest getting in contact with the hotel where you'll be staying in Murren. Since all their supplies come via that train, they'll definately know what's going on.

You can download the proper schedule here: http://www.jungfraubahn.ch/en/Desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-163/
Kate
Scotland Fri 02/17/2006

Heathrow Airport Connection
Has anyone had to make a connecting flight at Heathrow Airport from Terminal 4 to Terminal 1? We will be arriving at term 4 at 6:20 am and departing Terminal 1 at 7:35 am for Milan. The website at British Airways says it takes 70 minutes from landing to departures at Term 1. But is that casually walking or running? We'll be doing the later as long as no one gets in our way. Also, I've read that upon entering Italy, you are only allowed to bring 10 rolls of film for each of 2 cameras allowed. My boyfriend is a photographer and usually brings about 50 rolls of film (b & w, slide and regular) plus 3 cameras. Has anyone ever had film confiscated? I'll be bringing my own digital camera.
Jackie <email>
Toronto, ON USA Fri 02/17/2006

RE: Overnight trains
Laura, this is a little hard to answer without knowing how far you have gotten on the website. If you have found connections, look for trains that leave before mignight and arrive in the morning. Put your cursor over the train symbol and the type of train will give you a clue. A lot of the night trains are EN or Euronight. Also ICN or Intercity Night, or ARN.

Click on the shopping cart symbol. On the next page, if there are a lot of bed symbols under "services", it's a night train. Enter the required info (# of passengers, etc). Note 1st or 2nd class. Click "Forward". Under "services" on the next page it will show you a pulldown with types of sleeping accommodations, and you can find the price for each. You will have to come from the previous page for each of 1st and 2nd class. If there is a "smart price" be sure to check it. It is a reduced price, non-refundable fare.
<email>
USA Fri 02/17/2006

Overnight Train travel in Italy
Need help figuring out sleeper trains in Italy. I've looked on the Trenitalia sight & can't tell if the trains are sleepers or not...Anyone got some advice for me.
Laura <email>
St Louis, MO USA Fri 02/17/2006

Room with baby
Hi, here is my experience: If you ask for a triple, you will get a room with three twin beds. If you ask for a double with a crib, you will still most likely get two twin beds and either an actual crib or a Pack n Play with sheets. A crib was too small for our nearly three year old, but the Pack n Plays were nice because they are longer than the ones we have here and he liked the coziness of being inside. At one hotel we pushed the three twin beds together and put him in the middle so he wouldn't fall out. I think it's just best to ask specifically when you are booking the room. Chris
Chris
MA USA Fri 02/17/2006

For Linda
A really useful resource I used along with RS is InItaly.com- they list by region and have all sorts of info- although not always budget- oriented, to say the least, it might be worth scrolling around the Website.
Karen
USA Thu 02/16/2006

Egypt and Baksheesh
Baksheesh is a part of the culture in Egypt. Everyone will expect a tip for every little thing. If you're on a tour then your guide will take care of all the tipping; but even the guide will expect to be tipped for all of the tipping he has to do :)I'm not quite sure what you mean about small bills and coins not being available; you shouldn't have a problem in that area.
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Thu 02/16/2006

Long-stays in Italy
Planning a 3-month trip to Italy and would like to rent a reasonable accommodation - preferably in a small town/hill town. Does anyone know of a good contact. I have tried real estate companies and many other websites. Have left messages, but did not receive any replies. Help???
Linda Channing <email>
Banff, Alberta Canada Thu 02/16/2006

wine and spirits
Regarding M McAnn and the response offered. Normally, the best way to tell if you like something is to taste it, but it is possible to anticipate the quality of the wines of France and Italy. This is what the person who asked the question may have meant by the "codes". In France, for example, all of the booze with the phrase "appellation (name of the specific place producing the wine, spirits) controlee" is top quality. A bottle of good stuff will likely also have the phrase "mis en boutielle au chateau" or "propertie". Together, these phrases mean that a product was produced under strict quality control procedures and that the French government has establish these procedures and actively inspects to see they are followed. Taking the pains to follow the rules allows the vintner to use the name of the area producing the particular grape. It also attests that the wine, etc is produce on the estate from grapes grown on the estate and bottled on the estate. There can be no unauthorized grape or methods (shortcuts) used. If a vintner fails the requirements, the legal right to use the AC statement is revoked and the vintner is reduced to selingl $3.oo a bottle wine. It is difficult to earn the AC and mis en....rights so a reputable vitner will strongly protect the quality of the brand's product. Price is not always an indication of relative quality. Some areas, such as the grater Rhone valley, Languedoc, and Provence regions are so blessed that it is rare to get a bad wine. Wines from reputable estates--those with the AC or AOC designations--produce very good wines but do not meet the specifications for the label. These become "table wines." There is nothing wrong with them. They haven't turned to vinegar or become overrun by fungus. They just don't meet all of the requirements. It could also be that a vintner had a very good year, and because there are restrictions as to how much the estate may produce, excess is sold under what we would call a second label, or institutional brand. For the person who intends to try calvados, a caution. This spirits is aged and that increases the price, so price is often an indication of quality. The real calvados comes from the "country" (indicated by the word "pays" on the label) along the Auge river, which flows through Normandy not far from the Atlantic coast. The Chateau du Breuil (from Le Breuil-en-Auge of course) produces a very high quality 12-year-old spirits. It is expensive. The Dupont Family of Victot-Pontifol produces a calvados cream (fairly inexpensive but 13 per cent to a third of the bottle contents is cream) There are several good brands of calvados sold here and one of the best is a lower-priced (3-years old) offering from the Lecompte distillers of Lisieux. It is an "appellation" spirits.
hg
USA Thu 02/16/2006

Castle tour
Füssen in a day? That depends a lot on how much you want to do in Füssen.

Several years ago, we were staying in the Upper Allgäu region (near Oberstdorf) and went to Füssen by bus. It took about two hours, the same as the train takes from Munich. We arrived around 11 AM, got our tickets, then ate lunch at the hotel next to where the horse drawn carts leave for the castle. We toured Neuschwanstein and still had time to look at all the shops in Hohenschwangau before catching the last bus back at around 5 PM. At the time we were not aware of Hohenschwangau.

A year later we did almost the same thing but instead toured Hohenschwangau, then went back to Füssen and spent time exploring the old town.

Even with the early bus back, we had more than enough time to visit one castle and probably could have done both.

Füssen is doable in a day, but in busy times make sure you have your tours reserved in advance. It is probably advisable to use the train so you don't have to worry about getting delayed in traffic or making a wrong turn and missing your tour time. Depending on when you leave Munich, the trip by train will cost about €37 for two, which is competitive to the daily cost of a rental car, not to mention €15-20 for gas.
<email>
USA Thu 02/16/2006

Egypt and Baksheesh
We're going to Cairo, Luxor and Aswan next month and have read about the pervasiveness of "baksheesh" or tipping for EVERYTHING. Unfortunately, getting small denomination bills or coins is very hard, I'm told. Someone recommended getting a whole bunch of cheap ballpoint pens from Office Depot and hand them out instead of money. Any comments on this idea??
Tom <email>
Summerville, SC USA Thu 02/16/2006

Paris Museum Pass for 17 year old
I am thinking I just need a Paris Museum Pass for myself, my husband and my 19 year old. Looks like most places under 18's are free. Any problems with this plan?
Alexandra Martella <email>
Longmont, CO USA Thu 02/16/2006

Castle tour
Gary----seeing Ludwig's castles in a day trip from Munich is possible, but I wouldn't recommend it---it's a long and tiring day with all the crowds. Fussen is well worth a night or two---that way you could get an early start on seeing the castle, and avoid some of the crowds. Other things you could do see in the area include the castle ruins at Reutte. As I recall, you are traveling with your daughter, and she would like that (my somewhat older kids certainly did). If you are traveling by car, consider staying at the farm guesthouse that Rick recommends just outside Reutte---I can't remember the name, but I have corresponded with Hermann, and he is delightful.
Enzian
Seattle, USA Thu 02/16/2006

Room w/ baby
I'm going to be traveling in Europe next winter w/ my husband and 20 month old son. Do I need to ask for a triple room or a double w/ a crib? Thanks
Janine
Sacramento, CA USA Thu 02/16/2006

Brighton-Area Accomodations
Any suggestions for accomodations in or near Brighton, England? Pitfalls to look out for in that city? This will be my first trip there.

Thanks, Carole
Carole Robbins <email>
Pittsburgh, PA USA Thu 02/16/2006

WALMART STORES IN GERMANY
M : There are at least 3 Walmart stores in Stuttgart. If you need more in Germany, there is a Walmart German webpage which lists locations.
M.S.A.
DALLAS, TX USA Thu 02/16/2006

Amsterdam to Spain - addendum
Better to take that aforementioned train without going through Madrid, as long as you don't mind sitting up all night...saves a transfer. But you can still book through Madrid and get a double sleeper for about $150 U-S. Book soon, 'cause they go quick!
Norm
Ottawa, Canada Thu 02/16/2006

Amsterdam to Spain?
There is an overnight train from Barcelona, but its destination is Madrid, so it won't show up if you enter Sevilla. It's about 81 Euros each for a deluxe double, and the run takes eight hours, arriving at Madrid's Chamartin station at around 8 am. You'd then have to take the metro to Atocha station to catch the high-speed train from Madrid to Sevilla. Best bet now is probably to go through RailEurope to book. By the way, if you've never been to Utrecht before, you'll love it. Lovely canals, and a great market at Vredenburg square, right outside the main train station-shopping mall on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You'll be there on a Saturday, which is the biggest day....fresh flowers all over the place, as well as the usual stuff. Look for the giant licorice stand at the entrance....it's run by a woman from Wisconsin and her Dutch husband.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Thu 02/16/2006

Amsterdam to Spain
Rebecca, there is a night train. When I use www.renfe.es/ingles and input Barcelona and Seville for 8 March it returns three options, one of which is the night train Trenhotel 947 from 22:30 to 8:40. You can buy tickets from the Renfe website, but they have to be picked up at a ticket counter in Spain.

Online from Rail Europe you can only buy seats for $154 each (vs. the equiv of $89 from Renfe).

Renfe's UK outlet (www.spanish-rail.co.uk) sells the complete assortment of seats and beds at close to Renfe prices. You have to order by phone and I don't know if they ship to the US. You can ask them by email at enquiries@spanish-rail.co.uk.
<email>
USA Thu 02/16/2006

Sue, car
Sue - previous poster is right: no car for CT, pick it up for Tuscany. Don't worry too much about backtracking unless you're tight on time. CT will be a nice breather after Rome's excitement and before driving around Tuscany. Think about adding a night there (CT) -- your kids will love it!
USA Thu 02/16/2006

CASTLE TOUR FROM MUNICH
Gary: I recommend renting a car and driving to those sights near Fussen.

I have driven it twice and you will find a car very convenient. Going down and back the same day will not allow you enough time to see all that you may want to see.

I spent the night at the hostel in Reutte. I can recommend it.

Plan on spending at least one night in Rothenburg also. Driving in that part of Germany is easy compared to some other parts.

Take a look at a map so you will know how much time to allow for driving between towns.
USA Thu 02/16/2006

Sue-Italy
I think you really need a car for Tuscany if you're going to hit several hill towns. that's how we did it. It's not hard to drive in Tuscany. I've read you really don't need a car in CT. Do you realize you're backtracking a bit going from Rome to CT to Tuscany?
USA Thu 02/16/2006

Castle tour from Munich?
Has anyone taken a day tour from Munich to Ludwig's castles around Fussen? Do you recommend doing so, going down and back in one day on my own, or spending a night or two in Fussen? I can rent a car if necessary. I'll be basing part of my trip out of Munich, and do want to avoid checking in and out of too many hotels. I'll be going as far north as Rothenburg and to Switzerland and the Berner Oberland area. Thanks for your help.
Gary <email>
Cary, NC USA Thu 02/16/2006

AMSTERDAM TO SPAIN
Rebecca B: If you need advice you can call these rail webpages and talk with agent:

Rail Europe 1 800 4EURAIL.

Cit Tours 1 800 CITRAIL.

DER TRAVEL SERVICES 1 800 782 2424.

Budget Europe Travel Services 1 800 441 2387.

RAIL PASS 1 800 722 7151.

RAIL TRAINS 1 800 352 7661.

All EuropeRail 1 800 806 RAIL.

Budget Europe Travel 1 800 441 9413.

Some phone numbers are old and may not be usable.
MANDY CYRA
EL PASO, TX USA Wed 02/15/2006

Amsterdam to Spain?
Hi, I've booked my tickets for my mom and i to fly into and out of Amsterdam. i have a conference in Utrecht from Mar 3-5th, and after that my mom and I thought we could do some side travel so I have from the 6th to the 14th of march (flying out of amsterdam on the afternoon of the 14th). I initially wanted to fly out of amsterdam on the 6th into Barcelona. Stay in Barcelona til the 8th and take an overnight train from Barcelona to Sevilla so we end up in sevilla the morning of the 9th. Stay in Sevilla from 9-11th, and either go to Morocco for the 11th & 12th, or just the 12th. And head back towards amsterdam either 13th or 14th. I'm having a hard time with deciding the means to travel within though. I think the day i want to take an overnight train there is none offered (from what i can make out by googling spain railways..RENFE?) I guess I'd just like some general advice/suggestions/feedback on the best bet for your money in cases like this.
Rebecca B <email>
Chicago, IL USA Wed 02/15/2006

Right on for RS Guide Books
I agree the first stop should be Rick's books...I wouldn't leave home without them! But don't hesitate to drop questions here....80 per cent is probably a little high. And many of the recommendations and most of the advice aren't found in Rick's books...that's why this discussion board is here. I don't recall WalMarts in Germany in Rick's book :) If nothing else, it'll give travellers the reassurance that someone else has tried Rick's recommendations, or allow them to spread out a little farther. I guess for those who feel there are too many repetitive questions...better 2 or 3 sources of information, than just one....or none! (Hope this lasts longer on the board than my last posting).
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Wed 02/15/2006

Berlin--where to stay
Everytime this question comes up, I recommend the Hotel Carmer in Berlin. For about 85 E you get a great double room with breakfast. It's within walking distance of the Zoo train station in the West....

Now, West or East. i don't think it makes a big difference. Berlin is the kind of city that wherever you stay, you're going to be using public transportation. Actually, I think we did most of our touristy things in the East. We visited both the Jewish Museum and Checkpoint Charlie Museum. Museum Island is in the East. We went to a play in the East. We ate dinner at a donner kebab restaurant in the East and at a cool cafe near our hotel in the West...yada yada yada... Have fun.
Karen <email>
MN USA Wed 02/15/2006

Cimego, Italy
If you can't find anything closer, check out the city of Trento, about 40 miles away. About 60-thousand people, a university town, with good rail and road connections...superb scenery, and well-placed for side trips to places as varied as Innsbruck and Venice.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Wed 02/15/2006

Anzonico
Sandie---just poking around on the web I found two places to stay in Anzonico itself: the Restaurant Bellavista has double rooms from 90 to 125 CHF, and Osteria Anzonico has doubles from 100-110 CHF. The nearby town of Chironico has rooms at Pizza Forno Ristorante. Try these websites: www.leventinaturismo.ch (in Italian) or www.schutz-wald-mensch.ch (in German). This second one is a PDF brochure describing a hiking path, but he mentioned that the town "has two restaurants with overnight possibilities". I found photos and information on the two places on the Leventina site. You can e-mail the Osteria at osteriaanzonico@bluemail.ch

Hope this helps.
Enzian
Seattle, WA USA Wed 02/15/2006

Anzonico, Switzerland & Cimego, Italy
HELP! My husband & I want to go to these 2 towns but need the town next to these that will have a hotel or b&b. can anyone suggest anything? They are both about 70 - 100 miles from Milan. We have to go to these towns for genealogical searches.
Sandie Nagy <email>
Cedar City, UT USA Wed 02/15/2006

Transportation in Venice
We took an airport bus from Marco Polo to Piazzale Roma. This is a short walk to the train station. We stayed in the same area and found the airport bus very easy.
New York, USA Wed 02/15/2006

re: sleeping/mixed gender
Liz, I think you'll even be fine in a convent -- I traveled with 2 guys (ok, one was my husband, but he has a different name) and we never had any problem getting a room for the three of us, even in a convent.
USA Wed 02/15/2006

Accomdations in Europe.
To Mark in NY (in particular) and anyone else who may find this helpful: I've found the DB's (www.bahn.de) website to be both reliable and accurate for finding accomodations in Europe. You'll find the English-language version under the tab for "International Guests."

Enter any rail connection, and a button appears for accomodations at your destination. Make any selection and you get a very wide range of information about the hotels/Gasthauser/etc., usually including photographs and a link to a Falk map of its location in relation to the train station.

For Denmark in particular, check out the websits for the Cab-Inn chain. They are great!!
Rich Young
Gresham, OR USA Wed 02/15/2006

German Walmarts
M,

Walmart has a German language website at www.walmartgermany.de. It has a location finder. Looks like the closest Walmart to Stuttgart is in Reutlingen.
USA Wed 02/15/2006

Wal Mart stores in Germany
I know, most of you will think I'm silly, but...I would like to go to a Wal Mart store in Germany, just to say I've been there (like I do now, after eating at McDonalds in Lichtenstein). I can't seem to find much info on the internet as to where the Wal Marts are in Germany (I was hoping one was near Stuttgart). Can anyone help me with this?

I promise, I don't go to Europe looking for American stores! I just think it's fun to see how they are alike or different. We just got a new Aldi grocery here, and it's just like the one I've been to in Stuttgart. Now I'm curious about Wal Mart.
M
USA Wed 02/15/2006

Wine information
M. McAnn There is no way to be absolutely sure of the quality of the wine inside a bottle without tasting it. If you know enough to judge between grape varieties, growers, methods, vintages, exposure, micro-climates, blends, soils, etc. you know way more than most of us. If you are somewhere between expert and neophyte you might find some usable info in the "A Traveller's Wine Guide to: France or Italy or Germany" books from Interlink Books. They go into label nomenclature and all the other stuff, too. The also give good insight to visiting wine producers and buying from the vinter. Another excellent source of info about the wines of France is "The Wines & Winelands of France, Geological Journeys." By Charles Pomerol.

So far as I know there is no "Secret Code" on wine labels, just lots of detailed jargon that tells what’s what to those who understand it. Each country's wines are, of course, explained differently on their labels.

I have, however, found a fool-proof way to get good wine another way. I just pick out a bottle that has a nice looking label. Only once have I ever gotten wine I couldn't drink (Samos from Greece.) I also have a pretty impressive collection of labels. I have no expertise with spirits, but hope to develop some regarding Calvados this Fall.
USA Tue 02/14/2006

Sleeping
I am 20 and I am going with three friends to Europe this summer. It will be three girls and one guy. I was talking to someone who mentioned that some places might not approve of us sharing a room with a male. If we plan on stay at B&B's does anyone think we will have a problem with that? I hadn't heard or even thought about anything along those lines before and I would hate for my friend to have to be separated from us.
Liz
USA Tue 02/14/2006

JS - Right on for RS Guide Books
Go buy RS's Guide Books (or just read them in a book store if you can't afford to buy them) as you will learn MUCH more than what you will get here for answers to a lot of questions.
charlie <email>
Honolulu, HI USA Tue 02/14/2006

BERLIN!! Where to stay??
I'm going to Berlin for a week and want to know if I should stay in the East or West of the city. I'm thinking the West (Ku'Damm etc)is more convenient but touristy and the East (Prenzlauer-berg/mitte) is edgier but I could be way off track. Some hints would be helpful.
Mark.
New York, NY USA Tue 02/14/2006

harris------- graffiti in rome
You could try the Victor Emanuel II right near the river just before you cross over to the Vatican. The place used to be riff with them but I haven't been there in almost 2 years. There also was all kinds of stuff on the street that circles the coliseum.
Debbi
Houston, USA Tue 02/14/2006

Transportation from Venice Airport
I will be staying across the canal from the train station in Venice. What is the best way to get there from Marco Polo Airport? I know that there is a city bus from the airport to the train station but would it be easier to travel on a water bus...if so which one?
Kathleen <email>
Bend, Oregon USA Tue 02/14/2006

Athens Prague
According to Germanwings, that is 3 hours of flying with a 22 hour (overnight) layover! The flight from Athens arrives in Cologne at 13:05, 2 hours after the flight to Prague has left.

Admittedly the Berlin Air flight will be a little awkward as it arrives in Nuremberg at 11 PM or midnight. To avoid a night's stay, you would have to catch a night train to Prague at 2 AM.

On the other hand, the DBA flight gets into Berlin at 2:50 PM, plenty of time to get a late train to Prague.

With a 22 hour layover this should not be a problem, but with most of the low cost airlines, including German Wings, they are point to point airlines and will cancel you ticket with no refund if you are late checking in, even if you are late due to a late arrival on their airline. Avoid flying them back to back.
USA Tue 02/14/2006

Athens/Prague
Rather, I think the easiest route would be Athens > Cologne-Bonn > Prague. Altogether this is a 5 hour flight, excluding the layover at Cologne-Bonn.

Check out this airline: http://www5.germanwings.com/
Lisa
San Jose, USA Tue 02/14/2006

Consult your Rick Steves guidebooks
Please everyone check your guidebooks before you post your questions. Rick answers 80% of the questions posted on the helpline. You won't go wrong buy his books they will save you a bundle and will give you the answers you need.
JS
Walnut Creek, Ca USA Tue 02/14/2006

Athens Prague
Rather, I don't think anyone flies from Athens to Prague, but try whichbudget.com to see what airline fly into somewhere near Prague. DBA flies from Athens to Berlin, which is €53 by train trip from Prague. Starting in May, Air Berlin will fly twice weekly to Nuremberg, €41 by train from Prague.
<email>
USA Tue 02/14/2006

Finding cheap flight between Athens and Prague
Calling all fellow travelers. I need your help. I am planning a trip to Greece in late April or May for about 3 weeks. I would also like to make a stop in Prague for about 3/4 days. Do any of you know of any local European airlines that fly between Prague and Athens (for cheap). I don't mind flying into Prague or Athens first. I've looked into Easy Jet, Ryan Air, BMI but was not successful in finding connecting flights between those 2 cities. If you know of any leads, share them and I will be most grateful. Thanks

P.S. I want to give a shout out to Rick Steves. You rock Rick!
Rather <email>
Los Angeles, CA USA Tue 02/14/2006

Visiting Parliament
I just went to the Parliament website. It is true that overseas visitors cannot see Parliament in session? And we can't get tours of the clocktower? What's going on in this mad, mad world? Somebody, please, tell me what's going on and if this is true or am I just missing something?
Sandra <email>
Puyallup, WA USA Tue 02/14/2006

Italy
we (family of 5) are travelling to Italy in June. After 3 days in Rome we would like to head to Cinque Terre. We have 2 nights there and then will be heading to Tuscany for 5 days. We want to rent a car. Should we do it at the end of our Rome stay, or at the end of Cinque Terre stay? Any advise would be appreciated!
Sue
Kalamazoo, Mi USA Tue 02/14/2006

Accomodation Outside of Prague
My best bet is to research apartments in Prague and find the cheaper ones...they are usually farther from the city center. Just check mileage.
USA Tue 02/14/2006

dogs
Not only will you need shot records, proof of ownership, and the like for your dog, it could be isolated for 2 weeks. Air France allows small dogs to ride the owner's lap. A German woman flying from ORD to CDG told me the dog had made eight crossing with her in the cabin on her lap. (Where does the seat belt go?) Some airlines require animals to go in with the luggage and those places aren't always pressurized. Check ahead with the airline and get a written response.
USA Tue 02/14/2006

wine information
I understand that there is a way to tell the first rate wines and spirits of western Europe. The information is supposed to be in some sort of code on the label. I am interested mostly in French and Italian wine and spirits when we go this spring. Does anyone know how to read the code?
M. McAnn
USA Tue 02/14/2006

Dogs
Elaine, before you find a place that will take dogs you need to sure that Italy will allow the dog in and under what conditions, And, second how to get the dog back into the US. It is not uncommon for countries to insist on extensive vet records and perhaps quarantined.
Frank P. <email>
Centennial, CO USA Tue 02/14/2006

Cinque Terre and a dog
Hi! I'm planning on taking my small (8 pound) dog to Italy and hopefully Cinque Terre. Has anyone ever done this? Can I find a place in Vernazza that will take dogs? Thanks!
Elaine
USA Tue 02/14/2006

Grimaldi - Italy to Barcelona
Has anyone used the Grimaldi ferry from Italy to Barcelona? I'm wondering how to book it with my 20% Eurail discount. Do I have to call? Thanks
Tom
yardley, pa USA Tue 02/14/2006

accomodations OUTSIDE Prague
We are a family of 5 travelling for 2 months this summer, mostly in Italy, Croatia and Slovenia. Our last 2 weeks will be spent in Krakow and Prague. I found a lovely apt in Krakow, but am overwelmed with Prague choices on the internet. Any ideas? We thought it might make sense to find a small house/apt outside Prague, in a convenient but attractive location, on a train line. We will be leasing a car and do not want to drive into the city. I would appreciate any ideas on towns or areas outside Prague and websites to look into for accomodations. Thanks
LD
Seattle, WA USA Mon 02/13/2006

Sunday Buses - Florence to Siena
Margie, a bus schedule I picked up in Florence shows no separate times for Sunday, so I'm guessing the holiday (festiva) schedule applies. Looks like only a couple of express buses run on Sunday, with options for local buses equally limited. Weekdays (feriale - better translated as workdays) are Monday-Saturday. That's the difference.
Frank
Wilmington, DE USA Mon 02/13/2006

Butzbach
Suzann, Butzbach is within the Frankfurt Metro transit authority (www.rmv.de). Click on the English flag. Use "Frankfurt (Main) Hbf" and "Butzbach bahnhof". You will get not only schedules but fares (€9).
<email>
USA Mon 02/13/2006

8 days to travel london,etc.
I plan on renting a car at Heathrow and proceed to Avebury & on to Bath. Any suggestions for B & B in Bath or that area? After 2 days there I would like to head to Chipping Campden or thereabouts. Any suggestions for a B&B there? Also after reading so many tour books it gets confusing when I consider how much there is to see. I plan on returning later this year. Would like 1 night in Chipping Campden then tour the following day. Will head back to drop car at Heathrow in the evening. My son recently moved to London and lives in Soho. Any ideas on B&B's there or around that area? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Cindy
Hinckley, Ohio USA Mon 02/13/2006

Butzbach
Suzann, If you go to the German Rail website (reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en) and put in Frankfurt Hbf and Butzbach bahnhof, you will find lots of trains.

Write to me if you still have a problem finding the schedule, and also, please, tell me what you were trying that was unsuccessful (to help future travelers).
<email>
USA Mon 02/13/2006

Butzbach Germany
I am planning my vaction for next year and was hoping for some help. My boyfriend lived in Butzbach in Germany when he was young and would like to see it while we are there. It's between Frankfurt and Gissen and does have a train station (from what he says) but I can't find out how to get there from the train schedules I have seen. Has anyone been there or can help me out? I would appreciate it.
Suzann
Orangevale, CA USA Mon 02/13/2006

Leonardo Express
The Leonardo Express is non-stop to Termini. Even without signals and Rome traffic, the taxi could not go as fast.

And, I won't go into stories about Rome taxi drivers who take advantage of tourists and take a round about route to run up the fare.

The Fiumicino airport website (www.adr.it) says that, without supplements for luggage, the taxi fare to downtown Rome will be about €40.

The Metro A line from runs from Termini to Trevi fountain every 2-5 minutes and takes about 4 minutes.
USA Mon 02/13/2006

Hotel booking online
I am not sure what you mean by reputable.

If you mean do you get your reservation, I can't tell you because I have never used this, or any other, reservation website.

If you are wondering about the price, I would say, after some spotchecking, that they are like so many other reservation website. They claim to offer the lowest prices, but on a couple of hotels I know of, I was able to find prices almost as low, and more often lower, on the hotel's own website. More importantly, they only show the hotels they promote, and I know of alternatives that are just as nice and less expensive.

So, if you don't know anything about the town, and don't want to bother to learn, this website, or a raft of others mentioned on the wall, can probably get you descent reservations. But shop around, compare prices, and try to find the booking website for the hotel itself.
USA Mon 02/13/2006

Leonardo Express VS Taxi
Would it be faster to take the Leonardo Express (from the airport in Rome) or a taxi?
USA Mon 02/13/2006

Hotel booking on-line
Has anyone booked a hotel using www.hotel.de? Just checking if it's reputable.
CF
USA Mon 02/13/2006

FCO to hotel
There is excellent train service, the Leonardo Express, from Fiumicino airport to the main train station in Rome (Termini). The station is right across the street from the airport. The train runs every half hour and takes aout 35 minutes. Fare is about €10 per person. From Termini to the Spanish steps is not very far by taxi, almost walkable.
CO USA Mon 02/13/2006

I am travelling to Rome in April and while I seem to have a firm grasp of everything I could ever need to know, there is one seemingly insignificant piece of knowledge that I am lacking... transportation from the Airport (FCO) to my hotel! :) The hotel is situated between the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain of downtown Roma. Never having travelled to Rome previously, I am unsure if the bus/train system is good for such a distance or if we should opt for a private shuttle bus or taxi? Lastly, is FCO airport far from the city center? About how much might two ppl expect to pay for cab? Thanks to any1 for their help!
Seattle, USA Mon 02/13/2006

graffiti shops
wher i can find a graffiti shop in italy[roma]
harris
athens, greece Mon 02/13/2006

Ferry to Rome
The ferry is actually Grimaldi ferries and goes from Barcelona to Civitavecchia. You can get a bus or train from Civitavacchia to Rome for cheap and it's not too far away from the city.
USA Mon 02/13/2006

Amsterdam to Barcelona - addendum
Transavia.com, a Dutch discount airline, is offering a sale, Amsterdam-Barcelona from 30 Euros each way, for travel through April.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 02/13/2006

Venice water taxis
Sheryl---you don't say what time of night you need to get to the airport. The Alilaguna (water bus, not a taxi) has scheduled service from the Lido dock to the airport, as late as 23:05, arriving at the airport at midnight. There is a gap in the early morning, with the next one leaving Lido at 4:50 am. See www.alilaguna.it for the schedule. Between those hours, I imagine your hotel could call you a water taxi. Last I heard it was around 80 euros between San Marco and the airport; Lido would be a slightly shorter trip but prices may be higher in the middle of the night.
Enzian
Seattle, USA Mon 02/13/2006

CDG Terminals 2D -E
This link will give you the map you need. I would check with the airline to see if you have enough time. http://www.nwa.com/travel/trave/airports/CDG.shtml
Jeff
USA Mon 02/13/2006

Terminal Maps at CDG
The official Paris airports site is www.adp.fr. It's viewable in English. Click on "In the Airport" and then on "Connections" to see how to get between 2D and 2E. Click on "Terminals" to see a list of downloadable PDF maps.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Mon 02/13/2006

Sunday bus Florence-Siena
I'm having trouble figuring out the Sunday schedule for Sita buses from Florence to Siena. The schedule has a symbol for "weekdays" and another symbol for "Monday thru Friday." What's the difference? I know Sunday service isn't as frequent, but can anyone help me figure out what times the buses do run on Sundays?
Margie
Oakland, USA Mon 02/13/2006

Arosa, Switzerland
Has anyone been to Arosa Switzerland? Can you recommend a good hotel? What are the winter sports like for people who would like to ski but haven't in years? Is there sledding and horseback riding available also? Wanted to go to St Moritz but could not find a place to stay there. Traveling there March 11-13. Any help would be appreciated!
Nancy <email>
Spring, Tx USA Mon 02/13/2006

Health Care in Prague?
When you travel anywhere, you should have travel insurance which covers medical and evacuations costs. If you encounter any serious medical problems, you should contact the US Embassy or consulate. They can recomend english speaking doctors and hospitals. If there are language barriers, they will send a representitive to the hospital to help out with translations. In addition, the Lonely Planet guidebooks usually give a listing of tourist friendly docotors and medical facilites in major cities.
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Mon 02/13/2006

Amsterdam to Barcelona
Amsterdam to Barcelona by rail is completely "doable". The quickest route is to take the Thalys train to Paris-Nord (4 hours). Then transfer to Paris-Austerlitz and take the non-stop night train to Barcelona. It depats at 8:30pm-12 hours later your in Barcelona.
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Mon 02/13/2006

Health Care in Prague?
We are considering a trip to Prague this summer but due to some health issues, I am always worried about "What if..." So, does anyone have experience accessing health care in Prague? What are the hospitals like? Are there any English (or French) speaking physicians? Thank you.
Chris
MA USA Mon 02/13/2006

Nice to Chamonix
The German Rail site (www.bahn.de) has timetables for most of Europe. (It's viewable in English.) Your fastest routes are Nice-Avignon-Lyon-St Gervais les Bains-Chamonix, Nice-Marseille-Valence-Annecy-St Gervais les Bains-Chamonix, same skipping Marseille, and Nice-Aix en Provence-Lyon-St Gervais les Bains-Chamonix.

My quick look at this site, www.chamonix.com/accueil.php?ling=En, shows bus service from Geneva and within the valley itself, but I think the train is your only option from Nice.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Mon 02/13/2006

CDG Terminals 2D and 2E
After checking resevations made 7 mo. ago with Air France discoverd our flight from Pisa to CDG was changed now leaving only 1 hr. between flights. Arriving at Terminal 2D and leaving Terminal 2E for Phila. Is 1 hr. enough time to do this? Can't find any maps on CDG website showing 2E. Thanks.
USA Mon 02/13/2006

Day Trips from CDG
Fontainebleau (closed Mondays): Take a train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon and then a bus from there.

Giverny (Monet's gardens): Take a train from Gare St-Lazare to Vernon and a bus from there.

Chartres (the town as well as the cathedral): Take a train from Gare Montparnasse.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Mon 02/13/2006

Amsterdam to Barcelona
I'm leaving for the Netherlands next month. I've been considering traveling by train from Amsterdam to Barcelona and back. I have ten days to work with. Any insights?
mike <email>
MN USA Mon 02/13/2006

GOTHENBORG SWEDEN
L: We stayed 3 nights in Gothenborg at Formule1 which is a da motel chain. We paid $25 for a room .

It was super clean and quiet. Bath is down the hall, but squeeky clean.

A car will be convenient because it is in the suburbs. You can find info at www.hotelformule1.com (That is number 1.)
J. K. M.
BOSTON, USA Sun 02/12/2006

DAY TRIP FROM CDG
Tom: there are two easy inexpensive day trips from Paris I can recommend.

Visit Versailles or Fountainbleu, which is lesser known, but more impressive for me.

Versailles is easy to get to by train from Paris, but Fountainbleu is probably only accessible by auto.
G.H.CHARNY
DALLAS, USA Sun 02/12/2006

Spain places to see - Need help
We,my wife and I, are planning a trip to Spain(about 7 days).We plan on taking one of Ricks tours after that in Italy.This would be in 2008(June). So far Madrid,Barcelona and Cordoba or Granada.Does any one have suggestion for accomodations in these cities or better places to see?
John Logue <email>
Ontario, California USA Sun 02/12/2006

Sicily by train/ferry
For Denise- you don't indicate where you are coming from, in Italy, on the train. We ended up flying because it was going to take 14 hours to go there by train from Pisa...and I understand it is about 9 hours from Naples to Siracusa.
USA Sun 02/12/2006

Day trip from CDG
We're flying from Cairo to Paris and get to our airport hotel at about noon. We don't leave for home (USA) for 24 hours. Having been away from home for 2 weeks, we may just want to sleep! BUT, is there an easy, inexpensive day trip we can take? We'll have been in Paris for 4 days (before Cairo), so Paris is out. How about Versailles? Easy to get to? Any suggestions accepted. THANK YOU!
Tom <email>
Summerville, SC USA Sun 02/12/2006

hotels in sicily
My family and i are going to Sicily in June. Does anyone know of hotel/bed-breakfast in Enna? How is the ferry on euro-rail? Denise
Denise
Iowa USA Sun 02/12/2006

A Quicker Trip From Seville To The Algarve?
Unfortunately, as far as trains are concerned, all roads lead to Madrid :). Buses are another matter though. EVA bus lines (Portuguese) offers a 2:40 run from Sevilha (port) to Faro. Check them out at http://www.eva-bus.net/home.php?lang=UK. ALSA (Spanish) offers a very late nite trip (midnight to 1:45 am)http://www.alsa.es/portal/index.asp?lang=en. You can book tickets on line a month in advance. It's about 1:45 - 2 hrs by car...have you considered round-trip from-to Sevilla, or are you leaving for home from Faro?
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 02/12/2006

Car in Venice
Yes, a car in Venice is not only useless but expensive. Are you flying out of Venice? Why not just drop your car permanently in Florence before hopping on the train? Better yet, just train everywhere and forget the car!
Tim
USA Sun 02/12/2006

CAR/Venice/Water Taxi's
Can anyone PLEASE tell us if the water taxi's in Venice run all day and all night? We will be arriving in Venice with a rental car and this is creating a delema for us. We are now thinking we should see if we can leave our rental car in Florence and train into Venice - rather than have a car we won't be able to use, or will have to pay to ferry over to Lido (where we are staying) and then back again to get it to the airport! Also, does anyone know how much it costs and how long it takes to get from Lido to the airport via water taxi? I keep getting conflicting info off of sites. Could really use some help here, suggestions anyone? Thanks!
Sheryl <email>
London, Ontario Canada Sun 02/12/2006

ferry to rome
Has anyone taken the ferry from Barcelona,Spain to Rome Italy? I think it is the Eurostar.
Jayne McLean
St. Petersburg, Fl USA Sun 02/12/2006

Seville to Algarve
Ray - I think you'll find the drop-off charges high, but check. I looked at trains from Lisbon to Seville a few years back and concluded the Portuguese and Spanish rail systems just don't communicate (I took the night train to Madrid). My out-of-date Thomas Cook timetable says you can take a bus from Seville to Ayamonte, a ferry to Villa Real, and a bus to Faro, although it looks like you have to leave early (7:30) or arrive late (19:15). Try these web sites: http://www.damas-sa.es/ and http://www.eva-bus.net/home.php?lang=UK TC says the ferry runs every 30 minutes from 9:30-21:00.
Kathy <email>
Cary, NC USA Sun 02/12/2006

A Quicker Trip From Seville To The Algarve?
My wife and I are planning our summer vacation and things are going well but we've hit something of a snag.

How does a person efficiently travel from Seville, Spain to the Algarve region of Portugal on a train or bus? (Or by air for all it matters)

We've found only one train, and it makes three stops and takes 18 hours. By the time involved, I'm guessing the stops could be in Barcelona, Paris and Lisbon. I really don't care so much about the number of stops, but 18 hours is way too much time to cover a fairly short distance and there just has to be a better way.

I haven't checked car rental possibilities yet but I understand it's seriously expensive to pick up and drop off in different countries. Is that so?
Ray <email>
Tacoma, WA USA Sun 02/12/2006

Sicily
We are heading for Sicily the middle of March - using the train system. Will it be a problem going without hotel reservations at this time of year?
Karen <email>
Grand Forks, BC Canada Sun 02/12/2006

Sweden
Anyone ever stay near Gothenburg, Sweden? We are looking for reasonable accomodations for two adults and two children. We'll have a car- so no problem with staying outside the city. Thanks.
L.
Chicago, USA Sun 02/12/2006

Orvieto accomodations
Where is a nice place to stay in Orvieto, Italy? SP
<email>
USA Sun 02/12/2006

Mozart's Birthday in Salzberg
I would like to make a trip attend some events for Mozart's 250th Birthday. Does any have recommendations for 1) traveling to Salzberg/Vienna from Budapest 2) Fun places to stay in Salzberg/Vienna 3)Recommendations for things to do?
Anna
Boston, MA USA Sun 02/12/2006

Wizzair
Wizzair is basically an Eastern European airline, that is, all flights begin or end somewhere in eastern Europe. The western Europe end is in the same inconvenient airports, "Paris" Beauvais, "Frankfurt" Hahn, etc, that Ryan uses.
USA Sat 02/11/2006

ANYONE flown Wizzair?????
Has anyone flown on Wizzair? They have almost to-good-to-be-true airfare between lots of different European cities. Some even claim to be FREE, for a total cost of $35USD taxes one way. Their website if anyone is interested in checking them out is:wizzair.com
Brandi Mills <email>
OK USA Sat 02/11/2006

Nice to Chamonix
Am planning to proceed to Chamonix from Nice in June before flying back to the US taking off from Geneva. Any suggestions are much welcome as to the best scenic routes, most efficient public transportation (buses & train), budget places to stay, sightseeing activities, etc. - Thanks
Houston, TX USA Sat 02/11/2006

travel fans...Ms. KC, you didn't say where you are going!
I really do enjoy having a fan, but certainly wouldn't take one from home. As most of the fans in the world seem now to be made in China, almost anywhere you go they will be inexpensvie to purchase and you won't need an adaptor plug. That way you can get one large enough to actually move air. I can't think of one that would be effective and fit into a suitcase.
Shirley
Fort Worth, TX USA Sat 02/11/2006

PANELLEAS RESIDENCE
This does not appear in the ENIT list of accommodations in Florence. See...http://www.enit.it/alberghiris.asp?Lang=UK&ID=651&Luogo=FIRENZE
USA Sat 02/11/2006

FAN
Try google and put in compact fan. I saw lots of them, some battery powered, others just plug-in, and ones that go both ways. I have found that the battery powered ones arent worth anything. I own a small Honeywell fan (about 10") but I have never traveled with it overseas.
Janet
USA Sat 02/11/2006

Panellea's Residence -Florence
Florence Accomadations// has anyone stayed at Panelles's Resience? And if so, can they provide us with a direct link to the B&B's residence where we can contact them directly about a specific room? (e-mail address?) Thanks so much
Sheryl
Canada Sat 02/11/2006

I Need a Travel Fan--Not Handheld
I am trying to find a small travel fan to use in my hotel room. Lately I have been, ahem, overheated, even in colder climates and AC'd rooms. At home I have a fan positioned near me while we sleep, but I need a compact version for travel. I have an adaptor set, so one for use in the US would be best. The ones at Brookstone just aren't efficient. Can anyone suggest where to find one? Thanks!
ellen
kansas city, ks USA Sat 02/11/2006

Swiss timetable
SBB has an on-line timetable....punch in the cities, the date-range you want to travel, and the time period, and you'll get a listing of all the services. Depending on when you want to travel, it might be more up to date than the printed version. It'll even e-mail it to you, if you want. Check out http://timetable.sbb.ch/bin/05/query-p2w.exe/en?
Norm
Ottawa, Canada Sat 02/11/2006

Buy me a rail timetable in Switzerland?
Anyone going to be IN Switzerland in the next couple weeks? I could use a favor. I want a hard copy of the current rail timetable, and I can't find it online. It's only for sale AT stations IN Switzerland. If someone could/would buy one and mail it to me either from there or when you return to the US, I'll gladly reimburse you the whole cost. Email me if you might be willing and able to help me, please. Thx.
G Thomas Seeley <email>
Murrysville, PA United States Sat 02/11/2006

NY to Florence fares
Probably not a bad deal for Florence, since it's not a major hub like CDG. Maybe look for something into a discount hub like London or Barcelona, then take a low-cost airline flight to your destination. Or consider heading for Rome, then taking the train north to Florence. As a reminder....Florence airport is closed until mid-April at the earliest for urgent runway repairs. Traffic's being diverted to Pisa or Bologna.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sat 02/11/2006

NY to Florence fares
What's a good fare for NYC to Florence in May? Having enjoyed great deals non-stop to CDG over the years, I'm shocked to see that the lowest for Florence on Expedia now is $855. Does that sound reasonable, or should I wait for a better deal?
Fiona
NYC, Fri 02/10/2006

Munich weather and hotel
In both Munich and Minneapolis it's hard to say what the weather will be like in July. When I was there in 2005 at the end of July, it was very pleasant. I sweltered in a Helsinki heat wave in August 2003..

i second the Europaischer Hof as a wonderful place to stay. Unfortunately their website was down last weekend. Their last e-mail address was info@heh.de. Have fun. Munich is great.
Karen <email>
MN USA Fri 02/10/2006

Italian Cafes
Perhaps others have had different experiences, but we never once felt rushed away from a table (including Venice) in many weeks of Italian travel. On the other hand, a couple of times after purchasing a gelato at the cafe's indoor counter and then wanting to sit outside at their tables and people- watch for awhile, that was NOT okay. The outdoor prices (off the menu and with a server) were obviously more expensive, which seems fair for including in the price a place to sit for as long as you like.
USA Fri 02/10/2006

Munich Hotel
I've stayed a couple of times at the Europaischer Hof. It's clean, reasonably priced and, maybe best of all, is literally across the street from the main train station which has stations for the U-Bahn and S-Bahn.
Jeff
USA Fri 02/10/2006

Purchasing SIM cards in Italy
Has anyone purchased SIM cards for their cell phone in Italy instead of through the internet in the US? What is the price difference? Does the added price of purchasing them in the US make up for the inconvenience of purchasing them in Italy?
Will <email>
Vancouver, WA USA Fri 02/10/2006

Toilet humour
Yes, I've seen those "holes in the floor" type toilets. However, I highly doubt that any sort of hotel establishment - especially a convent - would advertise their "types" of toilets. I don't think I've EVER seen an establishment talk about their "types" of toilets...
Tim
USA Fri 02/10/2006

Toilet on the floor
Toilets on the Floor may also mean exactly that. When we were taking a train from Como, the ladies bathroom literally had toilets on the floor.

Basically a hole in the ground surrounded by tile. I had no clue how to "squat" without soiling myself. SO I chose to wait for the train.

It was indeed an eye opening experience.
USA Fri 02/10/2006

Clean munich hotel
Gary When I was in Munich i stayed at the Hotel Deutsches Theater.

It was about a 20 min walk to the Marienplatz, close to the train station (10 min walk) and even closer to the metro.

Its next door to the Theatre, so if you wanted to catch a show in town, its literally at your door step. The day we were there "Cats" was playing.

The hotel was clean, breakfast was lovely, and it was inexpensive. 5 Euros for hot and cold food items and juices.

I booked my room at hrs (dot) com and checked the review on tripadvisor.

Oh, just a warning. They DO Have an elevator but its very tiny. So as Rick always say "PACK LIGHT!"
Michelle
Fullerton, CA USA Fri 02/10/2006

Rhine accomodation
Has anyone stayed at the Hotel zur Loreley (rooms and apartments) in St. Goar on the Rhine? Comments? www.hotel-zur-loreley.de/st-goar-germany/index.html
Brad
Calgary, AB Canada Fri 02/10/2006

Brugge and Amsterdam
Renee i stayed at the friendship b&b in Amsterdam for 8 days in September you will be the only people there its more expensive than the Prinsenhoff which i have heard very good things about the friendship is in the southern canal belt and it is in a very quiet neighborhood if you would like more info e-mail me.
john <email>
USA Fri 02/10/2006

Germany/Austria/Dolomite drive
I was wondering if anyone can be of help. We plan on driving from Berchtesgaden, Germany, over the Grossglockner Alpine Road to Heiligenblut, Austria. Is this too much for one day? Also plan to drive from Heiligenblut to Val Badia or Val Gardena. Is this easy in a day? Any help will be appreciated.Thank you.
Paul <email>
NJ USA Fri 02/10/2006

bruges hotel
We can highly recommend the Egmond Hotel in the Minnewater section. It is a beautiful, peaceful location. Close to the train station and a short walk to the town center. Great breakfast and nice garden.
USA Fri 02/10/2006

Berlin hotel
You can't beat the Hotel Carmer for a reasonably priced, well-located hotel in Berlin. It's a 10 minute walk from the Zoo train station. I think we paid about 85E for a wonderful double with breakfast in February 2005.
Karen <email>
MN USA Fri 02/10/2006

Termini luggage
Luggage is still OK at Termini. Big lines are common, but the system works OK.
Bob <email>
Gettysburg, PA USA Fri 02/10/2006

Luggage storage
Would like to know if you can still store luggage at Termini in Rome. I know since 9/11 (for security reasons) some of the airports and train stations have done away with luggage storage.
Arlene
USA Fri 02/10/2006

Bruges and Amsterdam
Renee - I highly recommend the Marieke B&B in Bruges - users.belgacom.net/marieke/. Canal view, squeaky clean, comfortable and wonderful, helpful, hosts. In Amsterdam I stayed at the Prinsenhof - www.hotelprinsenhof.com/index2.html. Good location on a canal and a tram line, good price, but funkier.
Kathy <email>
Cary, NC USA Fri 02/10/2006

Swiss rail
Thomas - I rode the Golden Pass train in the other direction last September, and I'd recommend going on to Montreux (and checking out Chateau de Chillon). If you want one of the VIP seats (pretty cool) you need a reservation, otherwise I would say not.
Kathy <email>
Cary, NC USA Fri 02/10/2006

Cafes in Italy
It has been our experience in Paris that once you have a table at a cafe it is yours for as long as you like. Is the same true for Italy, in particular Venice? Thanks for any help.
USA Fri 02/10/2006

Best rail trips in Switzerland
I'm going to blitz Swiss rail trips May 1-11. Dates are firm cuz that's all the frequent flyer miles I can use and the only time I can use 'em.

So if I want to concentrate on the best of the best, which parts of the following routes are "must do" and which parts are "ok if you had more time but you can skip 'em if you have to"

Golden Pass (should I go as far as Montreux or just to Visp and then down to Zermatt, dep on weather, and see the Matterhorn) Glacier Exp Bernina Exp (bus Tirano-Lugano won't run at all while I'm there) Wm Tell

Finally, can I take a chance and wait till I get there to make seat resv a day or so ahead of time, using my Swiss Pass, or should I do that way earlier?

I should have mentioned, I've got Rick's Switzerland book. It's great! I'm just looking to add to it with specific recommendations from you all who have done some of what I'm gonna do!
G Thomas Seeley <email>
Murrysville, PA United States Fri 02/10/2006

Carte Orange
You can buy a Carte Orange at metro and RER stations. You need to provide a color photo of yourself (passport-sized or smaller). The pass is good for Sunday-Saturday. You can buy it through Wednesday for the current week and either Friday or Saturday for the following week. No sales on Thursday.

On the RER, it is possible to travel with a Carte orange beyond the zones that the card is valid for by purchasing an extension before entering the train. It is important to purchase this extension before leaving the zones in which one's Carte Orange is valid, as turnstiles in other zones will not permit a passenger to exit on a ticket not valid for that zone.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Fri 02/10/2006

Cotswold tours
Can anyone comment on Mad Max tour of the Cotswolds out of Bath versus the Cotswold Roaming tour out of Oxford? Also does anyone know the price of the Cotswold Roaming? It's not listed on their website.
angel
chicago, il USA Fri 02/10/2006

B & Bs for Bruges, Amsterdam and Berlin
My adult son and I are travelling from London, where he works, to Bruges (1 night) and Amsterdam (1 night) before staying with family in Holland. Then there's a four-day break before the next family stay, when we want to visit Berlin. I would prefer to use B & Bs or smaller hotels, so is there anyone out there who can help with recommendations please?
Renee <email>
Buderim, Queensland Australia Thu 02/09/2006

ticket purchases in Paris/ a perspective
The Paris rail lines with a letter, such as A.B.C, are part of the RER, a commuter line serving Paris and suburbs. Just as in the large U.S. cities with suburban commuter service, you can buy a ticket at any station just minutes before you intend to use it. In your case, the train to Versailles runs at about 15 minute intervals during weekday day time hours and takes something less than 35 minutes to reach Versailles. Look for the front exterior of the first car to have a name starting with V, such as Vick. You do not need advance purchase. Should you travel to more distant points from Paris, such as Rouen or Annecy, you take the trains operated by the national system, SNCF. Advance purchase on these trains is a good idea especially if you are travelling in a couchette, or sleeper, or if you go by TGV ("speedy train") you will need a supplement (reserved seat). The regular mainline trains, called Train, needs no supplement or advanced purchase, but by doing so, you may get in on discounts such as travelling in the "blue period" or off-peak times, age, and 2 or more persons travelling together. Actually, if you are travelling by train but without a rail pass you can stop in the ticket office at CDG and get whatever tickets you want for where ever you are going. It's one stop, but separate lines for RER and SNCF. Plus, the staff is fluent in English.
HG
USA Thu 02/09/2006

AIR CONDITIONING IN MUNICH
Gary: Yes, it will be hot in Munich in July. I was there twice during the summer and looked for air conditioning everywhere.
D D CHANDE
DALLAS, USA Thu 02/09/2006

Brit
Brit, I don't think it necessary to buy Versailles RER ticket in advance. Buy your roundtrip ticket at Station at RER line C at St. Michel and get off at the Versailles-Rive Gauche station. It is a very short walk to the chateau. If you are going to very many museums, even to St. Chappelle, I think a museum pass is worth it. If you are just going to a few, it just about balances out to buy them individually, especially you are limited to a specific number of days to use the museum pass once it is validated at your first museum.
Emily
Shelbyville, KY USA Thu 02/09/2006

Brit RER
I think you can buy the RER ticket ahead but in all honesty there is no need to do that... When you buy the ticket you buy it as a return ticket.
bluedenim
vancouver, bc canada Thu 02/09/2006

Madrid hotels
Annie - I stayed at the Plaza Mayor a couple of years back. I remember the room as small but clean and comfortable - with working AC. Not luxurious, but fine, and in a good location. I'd stay there again. Sorry, don't remember about hairdryer & iron as I travel with a hairdryer & don't need an iron.
Kathy <email>
Cary, NC USA Thu 02/09/2006

Versailles
Okay, I'm going to get the museum pass, so never mind about the Versailles museum tickets. Can you buy the RER ticket in advance to Versailles or does it have to be purchased the day you go? Thanks again!
Brit
USA Thu 02/09/2006

Versailles Tickets
Brit - yes, you can buy the Versailles tickets in advance but not FAR in advance. I'm waiting to buy mine for July. They are sold on two sites which are at the bottom of this Versailles Site: http://www.chateauversailles.fr/en/592_One-day_pass.php?idT=3 I'm getting one day passes because it seems like the best deal. I am not getting the museum pass because I counted up the costs for the museums I want to go to and it was a better deal to buy separate. Some of the museum passes don't include Versailles so read the museums the passes cover.
Sally <email>
CA USA Thu 02/09/2006

brit...versailles
How long are you going to be in Paris? Are you planning other museums because if so I highly suggest picking up the mueseum pass...the best value in the city and the fact that you don't have to stand in long lines is worth every single penny
bluedenim
vancouver, bc canada Thu 02/09/2006

Paris and Versailles
Is it possible to purchase Versailles tickets in advance? And where can one buy a Carte Orange? Which metro stations are the best? Thanks!
Brit
USA Thu 02/09/2006

re: Palio
Emily -- You may be wanting actual seats for the race (fairly necessary to get a good view of the action), but otherwise you can congregate with the rest of the crowd in the Campo itself for free. Quite an experience! Your view of the horses going by will be partially obstructed by all the people, but the race over really fast anyway, and then the processions begin and last all night.
Kristin
Bellevue, WA USA Thu 02/09/2006

Palio in Siena reply
Looks like you can get tickets for the race cheaper at http://www.liaisonsabroad.com/italy/palio.html Also, do a searh at www.msn.com on Palio in Siena July 2006 and you'll get several sites where you can compare prices.
Sally <email>
El Dorado Hills, CA USA Thu 02/09/2006

Paris to Murren
If you check the Swiss Rail site, you'll see that you can book tickets all the way from Paris to Murren. Also, two of the night trains have both 4-person (1st class) and 6-person (2nd class) couchettes. Those routes are longer than the one with only 2nd class couchettes and the fewest transfers, but as a previous poster said, you only change trains in Basel (not stations). FYI, the full route can also be booked on the Deutsche Bahn site.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Thu 02/09/2006

Teatro alla Scala
Has anyone attended a performance at this theater? Are there a lot of stairs to go up the boxes (Zone 2-6)? Is there an elevator? Thanks!
Lisa
San Jose, CA USA Thu 02/09/2006

Paris to Murren by Train
Sandy, I think the night train sounds like a good idea too--and a fun adventure. But, just so that you know, you may be a little tired the next day.

I think the person who posted that you'll have to walk across Basil at 5 a.m. must have missed that there are two other night trains at about the same time. Looks like you do have to change trains, but at the same station.

It sounds like what you want is to reserve a whole compartment with either 4 (ideally) or 6 bunks. You pay a supplement on top of your ticket or railpass for those.

I'm surprised the 4-bunk option is not available online. This might be a job for a mild-mannered travel agent, in which case you only need help (it sounds like) with the supplement. Or you could cross your fingers and try to get it settled with a ticket agent when you get to Europe. Or reserve the couchettes and be prepared to share.
Adam
Boston, USA Thu 02/09/2006

Paris to Muerren
Paris to Interlaken (but not Lauterbrunnen or Mürren) can be booked on the French Rail website (www.sncf.fr/indexe.htm).

The train from Paris to Basel has only 6 person couchettes, 2 person cabins, and seats.

You will have to walk from the SNCF Basel station to the SBB Basel station, less than 15 minutes, at about 5 AM.
<email>
USA Thu 02/09/2006

Air conditioning in Munich
How important is air conditioning in Munich in late July? Would you stay in a hotel which didn't have air conditioning? If you'd like, you can reply directly to me at GaryinCary@aol.com. Thanks!!!
Gary <email>
Cary, NC USA Thu 02/09/2006

Paris to Murren
Sandy---I think the night train is a good idea. The overnight section goes from Paris to Basel, so the scenery you would miss is France and Alsace, not the Alps. If you travel during the day, the minimum travel time is 7 1/2 hours; that's a long time for kids. With the night train, once you get to Basel, you have a few changes to get to Murren, and the kids will have fun with that. You can print out the schedules ahead of time; if you use the Swiss rail site (sbb.ch) it will even show the track numbers for the trains within Switzerland.

Hopefully someone else here will advise you on how to book the sleeper car for a family of four.
USA Thu 02/09/2006

Munich hotel for Gary
You and your daughter would both enjoy the Hotel Uhland. The staff is friendly, the location is pleasant and the rooms are nice (it's an old mansion). Their website is listed in Rick's book. Every room is different; just ask for a large room with 2 beds.
Enzian
Seattle, WA USA Thu 02/09/2006

Paris to Murren by train
We are traveling from Paris to Murren on the train this summer. I saw that they have an overnight train leaving about 22:30 with a change at 5:00 am then onto Murren. Should we take the overnight train? Is there alot of scenery to see if we go during the day? My husband said it would save $$ on hotel if we take the overnight. How can I find out sleeper prices? Also we have our 2 children, ages 11 and 14 with us. How far ahead of time do you get to board the train?? Thanks so much for your help!
Sandy <email>
Cedar Rapids, IA USA Thu 02/09/2006

Palio in Siena, Italy
We would like to go to the Palio in Siena, Italy in July. We are having a hard time finding out about seat for the race. We have received one quote from a Sienna resident of 420 Euros per person. This seems really expensive, but it may be typical. Any sources for direct and reliable info. We are planning to stay at Hotel Chirusarelli, a suggestion of Rick's, but they require a 4 nite minimum. This too may be typical.
Emily Swigert
Shelbyville, KY USA Thu 02/09/2006

Hotels in Madrid?
Has anyone ever stayed at Hotel Europa or Hotel Plaza Mayor in Madrid? If so, what was your experience? Also, do either of these hotels have amenities such as irons or hairdryers in the rooms? Thank you so much!
Annie <email>
Annapolis, MD USA Thu 02/09/2006

Buying Camping Equipment in Frankfurt
We are flying into Frankfurt, Germany from Australia and plan to spend two months traveling through Europe camping. We are thinking that we will need to buy our camping equipment once we arrive in Frankfurt. Any suggestions. Thank you. Kris
Kris <email>
Melbourne, victoria australia Thu 02/09/2006

Decent hotel in Munich?
I am looking for a decent hotel in Munich. I don't need a luxury hotel, but don't want a barebones hotel/hostel, with shared bathrooms, etc. I'll be traveling with my 13 year old daughter, so need a room large enough for us to share. Thanks for your help.
Gary <email>
Cary, NC USA Thu 02/09/2006

some beaches in Italy
Try Anzio or go up the other coast on the backside of the boot near the bootstrap. Its more local touristy I think than the shin part of the boot.
USA Wed 02/08/2006

Discount Airlines to Save Money
Laura (Houston) suggestion to using multi leg, independent, discount airlines for travel has merit but overlooks one very serious risk. If one leg goes bad (late arrival, cancelled, etc.) and you miss the next leg, you’re dead. You have no recourse. You missed your flight, your ticket is worthless and the replacement ticket will be very expensive unless you find a very sympathetic airline.
Frank P. <email>
Centennail, CO USA Wed 02/08/2006

Gimmelwald
Dave, visited the Oberland region 2nd week of May in 2003 and at that time it was very pleasant weather-low 70's during the day. We stayed in Murren and walked to Gimmelwald and visited Jungfrau and all the major sites in the area. The alps are just breathtaking. Enjoy.
TX USA Wed 02/08/2006

Gimmelwald in May
We are going to be backpacking in Italy starting the second week in May. We're condidering a side trip from Milan to Gimmelwald and back before spending the remainder of our time in Italy. Has anyone been there in early May? I'm wondering if its too early in the year (too cold) to be able to enjoy hiking and picnicing without bundling up (and taking warmer clothes than we would otherwise have to pack).
Dave <email>
OR USA Wed 02/08/2006

Driving in Rome
There are two great cities for motorists with a death wish. One is Bangkok. Rome is the other.
USA Wed 02/08/2006

Annecy/Chamonix for Ginny
The tourism people of Rhone-Alpes have done a wonderful job of organizing and presenting the 8 departments comprising the region. Haute-Savoie (Annecy and Chamonix/Mt Blanc) is one of the departments. Rhone-Alpes tourism provides several free publications including maps and a "Practical Guide" that is the utmost in practicality. There are charts of cities, towns, etc listed alphabeticly that give web addresses to everyplace with a name as well as a comphrensive listing of what is where, such as hiking. The weather, school holidays, temperatures etc and formulas for converting degrees C to F, kms to miles. Hotels, restaurants, gites, whatever are clearly organized. This is an ideal starting place and an excellent source for extensive information/contacts in the areas you intend to visit. On the web, go to<< www.rhone-alpes-tourisme.com>> or omit the (-)between rhone and alpes for a second site. One is in English. The other is French but easy to follow if you can read even rudimentary French. The French version seems better organized and presented than the English.
Harvey
ILL. USA Wed 02/08/2006

Nancy - Driving in Rome
Nancy, I grew up in So. Calif. and am used to aggressive and crazy drivers. I've driven in most U.S. and European major cities, and will never drive in Rome again. You start to wonder when you notice that half the cars are missing their side view mirrors. Maybe park outide of Rome and take the train in, or start or end your trip from Rome. Pick-up your rental after your Rome visit or drop off the rental before you visit Rome.
Norm
CA USA Wed 02/08/2006

May in Chamonix
Ginny,

The Engligh-language Chamonix website (www.chamonix.net) says, under "When to Come", that the ski season ends May 8, and after that it is very quiet until the June summmer season starts. It also warns that it can rain a lot in May. So maybe the valley trails will be wet, but many of them are either paved or wide, well-drained gravel paths, so they wouldn't be muddy. You probably won't be able to to the "Grand Balcon" walks above the valley, but there are beautiful views from the valley trails too (as long as it's not fogged in). Have fun---it's a great place.
USA Wed 02/08/2006

May in Chamonix & Annecy
We're planning a few days in Annecy and Chamonix in late May. We're a senior couple hoping to do a little hiking in the valleys. Will the ground be too wet?
Ginny
Washington, DC USA Wed 02/08/2006

Dawn flying to Europe
Hi Dawn.

I would suggest adding the cost of the hotel, food, rail, etc. for the extra nights that you'll have by obtaining the cheaper airfare. Then add the hassle factor. Then add in the cost of 'using' additional vacation days.

I think that the $1400-$1700 airfare might not be all that far off from what you're going to end up paying anyway.
Stephanie
Columbus, OH USA Wed 02/08/2006

German wine fests
For those of you interested in the german wine fests, along the Rhine, the Mosel and the German wine strasse, the best guide for the smallest village festival to the largest-Bad Durkheim, is to look on line at the Stars and Stripes paper. My husband and I are stationed here in Germany, and every April the paper puts out a schedule for all the wine regions and dates. It is our wine fest "bible" and have a difficult time choosing which one to go to. If you look at last years dates, you can kind of get an idea of what they will be for this year, as they continually have them the same week/weekend every year. Hope this helps.
Cathy
Ramstein, Germany Wed 02/08/2006

Amalfi to Ravello tip
This is for Laura who was looking for a 1/2 day tour from Sorrento to Ravello. I think the best way to do this would be to hire a private driver. You don't want to be stuck standing in a bus - believe me! Also, though it may not look long on a map, that is actually a pretty long trip. I don't know if you would really want to do it in only half a day. I got this recommendation for a driver from the place where we rented a villa so I don't have personal experience:

http://www.francescomarrapese.com/index.htm
S. Mildrum <email>
Bedford, MA USA Wed 02/08/2006

Pamplona, Running of the Bulls
Looking for any info on hostels or hotels that might be somewhat cheap for the July stay in Pamplona. Don't know if it is easier to come into Pamplona for the festivities via train or car or if there are any that come into Pamplona, or maybe some reasonable places to stay in Pamplona that I can't find on the internet. Just some info on the topic would be appreciated from someone who has already been.
Gabe M. <email>
Kansas City, MO USA Wed 02/08/2006

Florence/Convent/Accomodations
Thank you both Christine & Tim. I will look into your suggestions and Christine I will send you an e-mail after you return to hear how your stay was. Have a great time!
Sheryl
London, Ontario Canada Wed 02/08/2006

Driving in Rome
I agree with the previous 2 posters. Either pick up the car at the airport in Rome (Fiumicino or Ciampino) or take the train to Florence or Siena and pick it up there. My husband and I drove through downtown Rome last May on our way back from Tuscany. Now that we are home and alive, driving through Rome is a fun and exciting memory. However, it was scary, and we are both aggressive Chicago drivers. Avoid driving through Rome if you can. On a positive note, driving through the Italian countryside is easy and beautiful. We drove all over Tuscany and had a blast!
Chicago, USA Wed 02/08/2006

Affordable/Enjoyable Florence Accomodation
We stayed at Residenza Il Villino in Florence, and it was one of the most enjoyable places we stayed in all of Italy. It's a converted convent with a little interior courtyard where breakfast is served during warm weather.

Sergio and Elizabeth are the husband and wife team who own and run the place. They are SOOO very nice. The place is clean, the included breakfast is good, and the best part is that it's CHEAP...compared to every other place in Florence. I found the place by looking at www.tripadvisor.com, and all of the rave reviews left by other travelers turned out to be true.
Tim
USA Wed 02/08/2006

Rome and London B&B
I'm looking for a nice B&B for my stay in Rome and in London. I'm wanting a good price but refuse to give up safety and cleanliness. I am going in May and will be in London for 3 nights and Rome for 5 nights... any pointers?
Stephanie <email>
Tyler, TX USA Tue 02/07/2006

Cars in Rome for Nancy
It would be MUCH less stressful to pick up your rental car from Siena or Florence (or wherever your base in Tuscany will be)and use the train to get between there and Rome. You can probably negotiate dropping the car off at a different location than where you originally pick it up, too.
USA Tue 02/07/2006

Renting in Rome
Nancy---go to the airport to pick up your car. You won't have to drive through the city.
USA Tue 02/07/2006

Car Travel in Rome
I am wondering if anyone has driven in Rome. We would like to rent a car and drive through Tuscany and the rest of Italy but worry about getting out of Rome -- Any suggestions out there for us? Thanks
Nancy G <email>
Watertown, WI USA Tue 02/07/2006

Rental Cars - Central Europe
I rented from Budget in Ljubljana a few years ago. Rates were very good and I was able to travel into Croatia at no additional cost. Budget has locations at airport and in Union Hotel downtown (10 minute walk from train station). An international drivers licence (available at AAA) is required. Grace - consider starting your loop in Slovenia, as travel into Italy is likely OK too. Russ - consider a train to Ljubljana if a Vienna car rental comes with Croatia restrictions. Border crossings are easy and free, but you will need local currency for tolls when using the expressway in Croatia.
Frank
Wilmington, DE USA Tue 02/07/2006

Florence/Convent
I've discovered that the toilet on the floor does mean that it is down the hall and not in the room. The convent is the Casa S. Nome di Gesu. The website is www.fmmfirenze.it. It was recommended both in Rick's Italy 2006 book and the Santa Susanna website. It looks beautiful. The single with shower is 50 Euros. I simply emailed and they responded within one day. Good luck and I'd be happy to report my experience when I get back at the end of March if you are interested. Just email me and I'll pass on what I find out.
Christine <email>
Phoenix, AZ USA Tue 02/07/2006

Christine/Florence Convent
For Christine/RE: Florence accomodations Sorry I can't answer your question about the toliets in the convent, but I could use your help! We are also looking for a reasonable place to stay in Florence for a couple of nights in early June, and I am TIRED of looking. If you would be so gracious as to let me know the name of the convent you are looking at, it would be greatly apprecited! Thanks so much!
Sheryl <email>
London, Ontario Canada Tue 02/07/2006

Airfare tip
I have recently returned from a trip to Stockholm and Reykjavik. It was the most remarkable trip I have ever taken, and traveling in the dead of winter in the north was Ok, just cold.

But I wanted to share the way I bought my ticket. I live in Houston, and the prices we were quoted to fly from Houston to Stockholm were VERY high.

Instead, we flew Icelandair from BWI to Stockholm, and had the free "Take a break in Iceland" stop on the way home.

We also flew on discount Southwest Airlines to BWI, and actually got $69 non-stop tickets in each direction.

We paid less than $550 each for the flights from Houston-BWI-Stockholm-Iceland-BWI-Houston.

Obviously fares will be way higher in spring and summer, but we saved hundreds of dollars by buying our tickets the way we did.
Laura
Houston, TX USA Tue 02/07/2006

Florence Toilets
Toilets being on the floor probably means that the rooms all share toilets that are located on the same floor as your room...
Tim
USA Tue 02/07/2006

Anchorage to Chamonix
Dawn---the best bet is probably the middle option---into Geneva and out of Milan for $1008. It is a short and very scenic hop from Geneva to Chamonix by train (via Martigny); also not bad from Rome back to Milan. Getting back to Frankfurt from Rome would be quite a trek, and the train tickets might eat up most of the $200 you'd be trying to save by chosing the Frankfurt option.
USA Tue 02/07/2006

Numbers
It's worth learning how they write all the numbers---a 9 could be confused with a 4 if you don't put the curve on the bottom (sort of like a lower-case "g".) Also, a while back there was a post on the "scam" board by someone who thought he'd caught a vendor cheating him, because his VISA receipt said "10,00" for his ten-euro souvenir. He seemed to think they were trying to charge him ten thousand euros (I guess he didn't count the zeros).
USA Tue 02/07/2006

flying to Europe
Hi, I live in Anchorage, Alaska. As a result, I have serverly limited budget flying options from which I can choose. I need to be in Chamonix on August 12 to begin a 9 day trek across the western Alps. However, I plan on touring Italy for at about two weeks there after. My conundrum is that I am able to find flights on the Web for about $1460-$1700 flying into an dout of the cities that that I want- flying into Geneva and out of Rome. However, there is a special charter going to Europe run by Condor. I would have two choices- fly into and out of Frankfurt for $792 (because it is a charter I have to add two to three days on either end to the days that I originally wanted) or flying into Geneva and out of Milan (with the additional days on either end) for $1008. I considered buying an Eurailpass Flexi and just railing, to both save money and because I would have extra travel days. I have been loking at sooo many options that I am getting dizzy. And now, I can't decide what the best option is. Help!! Thanks in advance
Dawn <email>
Anchorage, AK USA Tue 02/07/2006

Florence convent plumbing
Christine---I have seen floor-level toilets in "outhouses" in the mountains in Switzerland, and of course in Japan. They are porcelain and very clean, but a little "different". I'm not sure that is what they mean, but the fact that it is underlined appears significant. As for the shower "in the room", they may mean that literally. I've had more than one room in Italy where the shower was a spigot in the corner of our tiled bedroom, separated by a plastic curtain that you would draw around you. There was of course a drain beneath the showerhead, and everything worked just fine. Again, just a bit different. I try to look upon plumbing adventures as part of the fun of travel.
Enzian
Seattle, WA USA Tue 02/07/2006

How to write a
Good point. Someone posted here a while back that they lost a day of their railpass that way. They used it on the 7th but wrote it our way. The conductor claimed that was for the 1st, that they had already used that day, and made them enter the 7th, written correctly, in the next box.

Also, their schedule has them going from London to Paris via the EuroStar train. The Eurail pass does not cover the EuroStar as a day of the pass, but you do get a reduced "Passholder" fare with a VALIDATED pass. You have to validate the pass at the Waterloo station in London before buying your ticket for the EuroStar.
<email>
USA Tue 02/07/2006

Colmar hotel?
After suggesting to Laura that she stop over in Colmar, I became interested in adding it to our own next trip. Does anyone have a recommendation for a hotel in the "Little Venice" area? Or elsewhere in the Oldtown? We don't need budget-type places; charm is more important. Thanks.
Enzian
Seattle, WA USA Tue 02/07/2006

Florence Accommodations
I am attempting to reserve a room in a convent in Florence. It is a room with a shower. Their email confirming states: The toilets are at the floor. And it's underlined. Does anyone know what this means? The place sounds great, I just want to be prepared. Thanks.
Christine <email>
Phoenix, AZ USA Tue 02/07/2006

Railpass for Laura
Just to elaborate a little: the 3-country 10-day Saverpass (for 2 people traveling together) is your best deal; buy it soon and you get an extra day free. Figure out which 11 days are the longest and use the pass for those; buy tickets for other, shorter trips.

Follow the instructions in the "how to use your pass" section to the letter. That means you get your pass validated at a train station window BEFORE your first trip. Don't forget, or it will cost you a lot! Both you and your husband must be there to show your passports. You only need to do this once. After that, for each day you want to use the pass, write in the date in the little box on the pass before you board the train (or at least before the conductor asks for it). It helps to write it European style (day, month, year) and remember to "cross" the 7 or they may think it's a "1". Basic stuff, but it's very embarassing if you forget to write in the date and get chastised (or worse, fined) by the conductor.
USA Tue 02/07/2006

Eurail, passes
If you are interested in knowing more about Eurail, they have a website (www.eurail.com, duh). One feature is links to all the national railroads in Europe.

Note also that ETBD is offering a bonus day with the 6, 8, and 10 day select passes.
<email>
USA Tue 02/07/2006

Naples to Positano
First a disclaimer: I'm basing my comments on some Web research, not on personal experience. It appears that to go from Naples to Positano, you have these choices: (1) Trenitalia train to Salerno and a bus from there; (2) Private train to Sorrento and a bus from there; (3) Bus all the way.

I doubt if your railpass will be good on the private train. Anyway, why use a day of your pass at all? For either train it seems to me that a point-to-point ticket would be best for such a short distance. Or simply take the bus and you won't have to transfer from train station to bus station.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Tue 02/07/2006

Exeter/ Cornwall/ Tintagel area
Need advice on how to get to and around Exeter/Cornwall/Tintagel area. Any good ideas? We'll be coming from Bath. Opinions also on accomodations in that area would be helpful also. Thanks!
Norma <email>
CO USA Tue 02/07/2006

Eurail questions
1) You need to go to the Railpasses part of this website and read about "How to use your Railpass". You don't have to use a railpass for a given day. You can buy tickets, but if you use the pass for any travel on that trip, you must put that date on your railpass. That "uses" a day. However, once you have entered that date, you can use if for as many trips as you like that day.

2) You also need to know how find schedules on the Trenitalia website (www.trenitalia.com). There is a train connection from Rome to Sora as well as a connection from Sora to Naples. There is no train to Positano. There is a train to nearby Salerno. You can take a bus from there. There is also a private train from Naples to Sorrento, but I don't know if they take a Eurail pass. Maybe someone else knows.

BTW, Eurail is not a railroad. It is the umbrella organization of the European railroads, of which Trenitalia is a part. It was formed to handle the sale of rail passes.
<email>
USA Tue 02/07/2006

Eurail questions
Thank you guys so much for your feedback. You don't know how much it has helped. A couple questions about railpasses:

1) For our day trips, will this use a day of our railpass for each day trip we take? How does that work?

2) On our itinerary we plan to go from Rome to Sora (near Abruzzo) then to Sorrento. I think that we have to take a bus from Rome to Sora and when we leave a bus from Sora to Naples. Does that sound right? The train from Naples to Positano...would that be the eurorail or just a local train?

As you can tell, I'm a little confused about the whole eurail stuff. Any helped would be greatly appreciated!
Laura <email>
Burbank, CA USA Tue 02/07/2006

7-day tube pass in London
Going to London? My best bargain was the 7-day travelcard good for all tubes and buses in Zones 1 and 2. I bought it at Victoria Station for 22 GBP. I think this is a much better deal than the Oystercard. Single tube rides are now 3GBP!
susan
San Francisco, USA Tue 02/07/2006

German Rail promotional fare for Feb.
This probably doesn't apply to many of you, because it is only good until March 5. However, if you are traveling in Germany before then, DB has a promotion going on called "Winter-spezial". You can travel anywhere across Germany (Köln to Munich for example) for €29 to €49. And, for €49 you can also travel from anywhere in Germany to almost anywhere in Switzerland or Austria.

The announcement is on the German language part of the website, but the prices will show up in the last column as "Savings fares" when you request a connection through the query page. Fares are non-refundable and must be purchased 3 days in advance. You can purchase and self-print them from the DB website, or you can purchase them at a ticket counter in Germany for an extra €5 fee.
<email>
USA Tue 02/07/2006

RE: Itinerary - suggestions
Laura,

in your first posting you asked about rail passes.

I would not get a 15 day select saver pass ($723 pP). Get the 10 day, 3 country pass. The 15 day pass comes only for 5 countries. All you need is a three countries. You would end up paying $230 more for an extra 5 days and for 2 countries you don't need. I made a quick list of your major days of travel, per your original itinerary, including the day trips to Chartres and Bern, got fares from various European websites, and ordered them from the most to least expensive. It looked like there were 13 days, and I could justify a pass for the most expensive 8 days, probably for 10, particularly if you want to travel in 1st class. However, days 11-13 total about $52, even in 1st class - nowhere near the extra $230.

You need to do the analysis yourself, based on you new itinerary. You can get fares on the French Rail website (sncf.fr) and the Italian Rail website (trenitalia.com). I had a little trouble with the Swiss site, so I took the fare from Spiez to Milan to Como from Trenitalia.

Be careful how you use your pass. Certain trains (Cisalpino and Italian EuroStar) require a supplemental payment for use with a pass. Avoid these trains if possible.
<email>
USA Tue 02/07/2006

Laura's FInal Itinerary
Laura--I think you have made a good itinerary even better. Since you ask for "last thoughts," I will share two:

1) Consider leaving Mont St. Michel for another trip when you can spend a few days in Normandy and/or Brittany. Mont St. Michel is spectacular but would be more so in the course of a trip that let you see it in context with the history and mood of the region--and during which you could spend the night, which can be a real treat.

I understand that it is doable as a day trip from Paris, especially if you take a bus tour for that purpose. However, this entails a lot of time in transit, plus the expense.

2) I don’t know how you choose between Burgundy and Alsace, but I think I would go for Colmar over Dijon. Both are interesting, but Dijon is a bit more bustle and I think that after Paris you might appreciate a smaller town.

A better place for two days in Burgundy, in my view, would be Beaune. (Yes, it's another 25 minutes from Dijon by train, but the trains run often.) Like Colmar, Beaune is one of Rick's picks--both are friendly and manageable and represent well the spirits of their respective regions

Have a great trip!
Adam
Boston, USA Tue 02/07/2006

Our Final Itinerary - Any suggestions?
Thanks for everyone's feedback. So here is the final itinerary. Any last thoughts?

5/29/06 Houston, TX

5/30/06 London (Day trips to Cambridge York and Bath)

5/31/06 London

6/1/06 London

6/2/06 London

6/3/06 London

6/4/06 Paris (Day trips to Versailles, Chartres and Mont St. Michel)

6/5/06 Paris

6/6/06 Paris

6/7/06 Paris

6/8/06 Paris

6/9/06 Tours

6/10/06 Tours

6/11/06 Tours

6/12/06 Dijon or Colmar

6/13/06 Dijon or Colmar

6/14/06 Gimmelwald (Day trips to Murren and Interlaken)

6/15/06 Gimmelwald

6/16/06 Gimmelwald

6/17/06 Gimmelwald

6/18/06 Lake Como (Day trips to Milan and possibly Lugano, Switz.)

6/19/06 Lake Como

6/20/06 Lake Como

6/21/06 Venice

6/22/06 Venice

6/23/06 Venice

6/24/06 Venice

6/25/06 Cinque Terre (Day trip to Lucca)

6/26/06 Cinque Terre

6/27/06 Cinque Terre

6/28/06 Cinque Terre

6/29/06 Florence (Day trip to Siena)

6/30/06 Florence

7/1/06 Florence

7/2/06 Cortona (Day trips to Assisi, Todi and Orvieto)

7/3/06 Cortona

7/4/06 Cortona

7/5/06 Rome

7/6/06 Rome

7/7/06 Rome

7/8/06 Abruzzo

7/9/06 Abruzzo

7/10/06 Abruzzo

7/11/06 Positano (Day trips to Sorrento, Pompeii or Capri)

7/12/06 Positano

7/13/06 Fly out of Naples (layover in London)

7/14/06 Houston, TX
Laura <email>
Burbank, CA USA Tue 02/07/2006

From Tours, France, to Gimmelwald
Laura---either Burgundy or Alsace would be a great stop on your way to the Swiss Alps, but Alsace is the simpler choice. From Tours to Colmar (in Alsace) is 7 hours; from there it is an easy trip via Basel to Gimmelwald in a little over 4 hours. (From Beaune, in Burgundy, there are 2 more train changes and a total of 8 to 9 hours to Gimmelwald).

I haven't been to Colmar but have seen lovely photos of the old town there---makes me want to go too! Perhaps someone else can suggest good budget lodgings in the area.

Be aware that the train schedules still show the funicular from Lauterbrunnen to Muerren, but it is supposed to be taken out of service at some point this spring or early summer. Then the only way to get up to either Muerren or Gimmelwald is by postbus from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg, and then up by gondola. (The same one goes both places, stopping first at Gimmelwald and then on up to Muerren). Both towns are on a bench above the Lauterbrunnen valley, looking across at the Monch and the Jungfrau. Muerren is up higher, while Gimmelwald is smaller and much quieter. Muerren has a grocery store, tourist shops, and more restaurants for dinner choices. Gimmelwald has its own quiet charm. Both have great views (and cows). Either is a good choice; it just depends on what you and your husband prefer.
Enzian
Seattle, WA USA Tue 02/07/2006

Morocco
Can anyone give me any other opinions of Morocco?
Kara
SD, Ca USA Tue 02/07/2006

SFO to Bologna
I guess it depends on your definition of "stressful" but it sure seems to me that flying all the way would be easier. That way you will probably be in Bologna before the train leaves from Paris and you will have avoided the cost and hassle of transporting yourselves and luggage from the airport to the train station. And, of course, you will probably sleep better in your Bologna hotel than on the train.
Jeff
USA Tue 02/07/2006

To Laura regarding Gimmelwald/Murren
Six years ago we stayed in Gimmelwald at the Pension Gimmelwald. (www.pensiongimmelwald.ch) Perfect place for us with an awesome view. Murren is more like a small resort town, while Gimmelwald is a tiny farming village. If you would like to have more restaurants etc. close at hand, go for Murren. If you would like to have peace and quiet, and really get away from everything, stay in Gimmelwald. The walk from Gimmelwald to Murren (paved walkway) is very easy and enjoyable.
Conny <email>
Williamsburg, Va USA Tue 02/07/2006

Correction on German Rail Listing
Correction: When I changed the spelling from "Murren" to "Muerren" (to account for the umlaut that is there in German), the German Rail site recognized the name of the town.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Mon 02/06/2006

Tours to Murren
The German Rail site (www.bahn.de) doesn't show the last leg (Lauterbrunnen to Murren), but the Swiss Rail site (www.sbb.ch) does. According to that site, the fastest day route is via Paris and takes ten hours.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Mon 02/06/2006

Glasgow accomodations
We are looking for a good but reasonably priced place with a double room in Glasgow. Non-smoking is a must. If you know of such a place, please let me know.
Chris <email>
Seattle, WA USA Mon 02/06/2006

Room safes safe for Peggy
It was hot last summer and whenever there was a room or hotel safe it felt wonderful to leave the plane ticket and other vouchers and the money belt inside. Then I would go out with only passport, credit card and the day's cash in a much smaller hidden waist pocket thing. I always tested it first to make sure it would open before putting the stuff in there! But at night I took it all out of the safe and zipped everything in the moneybelt and kept it under the pillow. One night there was a small fire and what a relief to not have to fumble- threw on clothes, grabbed the moneybelt and was out the door in a flash!
USA Mon 02/06/2006

Amalfi Coast
Am looking for a 1/2 day Amalfi Coast tour from Sorrento to Ravello. Hopefully will not have to rent a car and drive myself and my friend. Anyone know of a 1/2 day tour?
Diane <email>
San Dimas, CA USA Mon 02/06/2006

Recommended hotel in Annecy, France
In Rick Steves' "France 2005" he recommended Hotel de Savoie (page 51) as a place to stay in Annecy. I noticed that "France 2006" does NOT mention that hotel. Can you tell me why it was omitted from the latest book? Has it changed? Should we stay away from it?
Dan Sapone <email>
Pleasanton, CA USA Mon 02/06/2006

Athens,Italy and Barcelona
Rough itinerary any advice appreciated. 2 moms and 2 daughters celebrating graduation. Open jaw into Athens for 2 days, overnight ferry to Bari, Italy. 2 days/nights at farm between Naples and Rome 3 days in Rome, 2 days Venice (via flight from Rome), 2 days Florence, one day and night in Sienna, 2 days in Cinque Terre (can you really WAIT to reserve a room until you arrive?) 1 day/night in Milan, possibly 1 day near Lake Como (we will not have a rental car is travelling by train/bus difficult?), flight from Milan to Gerona, 1 night in Girona, (anyone gone to Dali Museum?) and 3-4 days in Barcelona? Plan on getting Trenitalia pass, but perhaps point to point is better. Thanks for input.
Adriane <email>
Austin, TX USA Mon 02/06/2006

Working in Europe
Since Andrew is Australian, he may have certain rights as a citizen of the Commonwealth (aka British Commonwealth). That may give him the right to a work permit in the UK, at least. That permit, in turn, might be good anywhere in the EU. He should check the EU website for their rules.
USA Mon 02/06/2006

Attractions near Charles de Gaulle airport?
Disneyland Paris is one train stop away from de Gaulle. Next to Disneyland is also Europe's largest outlet mall-I can't remember the name of it, but from the Disney train station there are free shuttle buses to the mall.
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Mon 02/06/2006

Safe Safes for Peggy
Peggy, The hotel safe is fine since you shouldn't be bring very valuable stuff with you anyway. Worst case scenario you wear your valuables in a moneybelt and sleep with it. Leave the expenisve jewelry home. I even avoid wearing flashy fakes since good ones look like the real thing and who wants to get mugged for a $10 fake diamond ring?
Lori
USA Mon 02/06/2006

AIRLINE STRIKE
MI; After reading advice from other travelers, I suggest you obtain a paper ticket to avoid trouble in trying to fly on another airline.

Some wont honor your Eticket.

My advice is to not risk a problem.
MAYETTA
BOXWELL, WY USA Mon 02/06/2006

WORKING WHILE IN EUROPE
ANDREW: Go to the website for each country and click on "employment" or "living in the country" to read the restrictions.

From reading comments on this page, I assume it is almost impossible for a foreigner to work in Europe. Although it may be possible to work by the day in some industries and avoid the law. Take a look at the Graffiti Wall archive pages also.
M A C
AR USA Mon 02/06/2006

EUROS AND BORDER CROSSING
Russ: You never know what currency you can obtain from an ATM until you stand before the machine and read the instructions.

Some distribute only euros and others give you a choice. Depends on the bank I guess.

The toll booths I have driven through in 10 countries accept credit cards so you won’t need local currency.

With the European Union there are no immigration or customs between member countries, but Croatia and Slovenia probably are not members.

You will go through the same delay we have always suffered in years past.
HAM
RENO, USA Mon 02/06/2006

SFO to Bologna
I am planning a trip with my husband to Bologna, Italy this May from San Francisco. Which would be the least stressful -- traveling by air the entire way but with 2 stops (SFO to Frankfurt to Munich to Bologna) or direct air from SFO to Paris and then the night train from Paris to Bologna? The $$ according to my research would be similar.
Lorraine <email>
San Francisco, CA USA Mon 02/06/2006

New Zealand Tour
My 83 year old Father-in-law and his somewhat younger girlfriend want to tour N & S islands of NZ. A small group tour sound right. Does anyone have good or bad experiences with tour companies Grand Circle, Experience New Zealand, Elderhostel or Qantas? I feel they are all reliable companies; is one better or worse than the others? This isn't exactly Europe, but you never know who's reading this wall!
Loie Maminski <email>
Westminster, MD USA Mon 02/06/2006

ITALIAN RENTAL CARS
Grace: when you choose a rental agency, use the toll free phone number to talk with an agent.

Ask about driving to the countries you want to visit. Don’t rent off the website.

I had the same experience two years ago and finally found an agency which would let me drive into Hungary, Czech Rep. And Slovakia.

I rented through Kemwel.com and did not pay extra.

Don’t take your car unless you see your countries listed in your rental contract when you take the car.
JAN
DALLAS, TX USA Mon 02/06/2006

Tours to Muerren
Laura---you can look at the connectons on one of the rail websites. Many people find the German one (www.bahn.de) very easy to use. Select English and then put in your start and end points on the date you want (it should show you dates in May and June now). You'll see that Tours to Muerren is about 12 to 18 hours, depending whether you go via Paris or Lyon, and whether you use a night train. Not an easy trip. You should consider breaking it up with a stop somewhere.

There are other places to stay in Gimmelwald than the hostel---Walter's Hotel Mittaghorn, and the apartment rented by Ollie and his wife. See Rick's Gimmelwald section for ideas. But Mueren is nice too.

Don't know about Kandersteg, but I wouldn't cut any time off the 3 days you've planned in Gimmelwald or Muerren.
USA Mon 02/06/2006

SAFE safes?
How "SAFE" are the small safes in hotels throughout Europe. Does anyone have experiences to share?
Peggy
IL USA Mon 02/06/2006

A few questions...
My husband abd I are trying to firm up our itinerary for our trip from May 29th through July 14th. I posted on the board earlier and I appreciate all the great feedback we got. I still have a few more questions.

1) Approx. how long is the train ride from Tours, France to Murren, Switzerland?

2) I'm anticipating it being a long ride, so I'm thinking we should stay in the Burgundy or Alsace regions for a couple days to break it up. Any thoughts? Which region do you reccommend, and what town would be most affordable?

3) I'm thinking of staying in Murren instead of Gimmelwald, because they have more lodging choices. Gimmelwald only seems to have the Mountain Hostel, which looks great, but being a married couple we would like a private room, and I don't think they have any. Any thoughts?

4) Last question...Kandersteg was pointed out to be a nice place, should we take some time away from Murren and stay a few nights there, or could that be a day stop on our way to Como, Italy.
Laura <email>
Burbank, CA USA Mon 02/06/2006

Re: Katie-tickets Orvieto to venice
I personally can see how getting for 15 EUR a ticket that would cost over 41 EUR on the day of travel is saving money. And, Trenitalia does not send tickets to the States at extra charge; you pick them up at a counter or machine in Italy. I know people who have saved money doing this.

If checking the current schedule is more important to you than saving over $30, at least do it the night before and check at the counter to see if there are still any discount tickets available.
Lee
CO USA Mon 02/06/2006

London Transport Advice Response/Followup
You SHOULD be OK...but I would try to hustle and catch the 8:40 shuttle bus out of Stansted. The airport is not that big, and the bus station is right outside the front entrance. If you hit bad traffic, it may take two hours to make the run to Heathrow, then a 10 or 15 minute walk from the coach station to the Air France check-in counters in Terminal 2
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 02/06/2006

Katie-tickets Orvieto to venice
Katie, Just buy your tickets the day you want to leave when you are there. Don't bother with extra charges to get the tickets to you in the states. This way you can check the current schedule and make changes if needed. It's so easy to buy tickets at the ticket window, and I can't see that you've save money buying ahead of time.
USA Mon 02/06/2006

Italy suggestions?
We are traveling to Italy mid-March for two weeks and are are trying to maximize our time. We are going to Rome/Tuscany/Cinque Terra/Florence/Venice. Any suggestions are welcome. 1 - Are two full days in Venice and Florence each too much? 2- We found a Tuscany guide, David Ross Tweed, who will take us around Tuscany for a day for 280E. (Chianti, SanG, Sienna and a wine tasting.) Has anyone heard of him? Any other suggestions? We would be willing to pay a driver/guide for a day or two than rent a car. 3- We are staying in the Campo di Fiore area in Rome in order to be close to a friend in Janiculum. Has anyone stayed at Hotel In Parione or has any other hotel suggestions? The Order of St. Briget seems pricey and a bit austere.

thank you for any ideas!
Grace <email>
Seattle, WA USA Mon 02/06/2006

Italian rental cars
Grace---we wanted to do something similar, but all the rental car sites I looked at restricted taking cars from Italy into Eastern Europe, including specifically Croatia, unless you pay a lot extra. So we didn't even try. But you could try Europecar, and read it through carefully to see what the extra charges would be. Call them if you have questions---I found them to be very helpful.
USA Mon 02/06/2006

Attractions near Charles de Gaulle airport?
I'm traveling with a group to Paris this spring. On our return flight, our group is split in two...one group leaves Paris at noon and the other leaves at 4. We all have to travel together to the airport. Rather than sitting around and twiddling our thumbs for half a day, is there anything to do nearby? Would it be possible to check our luggage in when the other group does and then go find something else to do? Or should we just sit around and play cards and search for the man who supposedly lives in the CDG terminal? Thanks!
Brandie <email>
KS USA Mon 02/06/2006

Trenitalia
Katie,

in general, it is a good idea to wait to buy your point to point tickets for daytime Italian trains over there. However, there can be a good reason for advance purchase. The fare for IC from Orvieto to Venice is €30,68 for 2nd class and €41,58 for 1st class. On the other hand, the promotional Freedom to Travel fare is just €15 for 1st or 2nd class, including reservations.

You can buy Freedom to Travel tickets at counters over there up until midnight of the day before. These tickets do sell out, and they are non-refundable. If you can commit and don't want to miss out, you can purchase them from Trenitalia online for pickup in Italy.

Be sure to read all the conditions for the promotion on the Trenitalia website.

I would think that the price of tickets at the station would be no worse, probably better, than from someone like AmX.
<email>
USA Mon 02/06/2006

Honeymoon in Europe - lodging and travel
We are getting married in Italy in September and want to honeymoon in Tuscany and then travel to Crete in Greece. Any suggestions on where to stay in Tuscany or the best way to go to Crete?
Alyssa <email>
Dallas, TX USA Mon 02/06/2006

anyone drove Italy to Slovenia to Italy?
Question: Has anyone been able to rent a car in Italy, take the ferry to Dubrovnik, drive up the coast to Lubjana then back to Italy? Which agency? Good Trip? thanks!
Grace Gerbrandt <email>
Santa Cruz, ca USA Mon 02/06/2006

Euros & Borders in Central Europe
I am planning my second Rick trip. Italy was great, now Central Europe. We will be flying into Prague: Can I get Euros from the ATMs there or only korunas? Then we will be driving from Vienna through Slovenia to Plitvice in Croatia and then into Slovenia: At the border crossings do I need to get local currency for tolls, etc.? How do border crossings work?
Russ <email>
Sacramento, CA USA Mon 02/06/2006

To Laura re Rough Itinerary
1) Nice and the Cinque Terre are both on the Med., but otherwise not the same experience. Still cutting out Nice would simplify your itinerary very nicely. I’d be tempted to shift the time to another part of France that is enroute (Burgundy or Alsace, maybe) or to Italy. It really depends on your priorities

2) I think of Interlaken more as a base for getting into the mountains, where you also plan to visit. Maybe I’ve missed something, though.

Something you didn’t ask about: Rather than a day trip to Chartres while in Paris, stop enroute to Tours—leave Paris in the morning, stash your bags at the train station in Chartres, and continue to Tours that evening.

It really sounds like a nice trip!
Adam
Boston, USA Mon 02/06/2006

Transportation in Munich
The best source of information on travel in the Munich area is the transit system website, www.mvv-muenchen.de/en/index.html.

With the single ride ticket for €8,80, you can go from the airport to any stop (not just the Hbf) on the S/U-Bahn, streetcar, or bus lines in the Munich inner area, as long as it is indicated on the ticket. If you are going to a hotel and you know your stop (see maps, below), you can tell them at the ticket counter or select it at a ticket machine. If you use a credit card in the machine, the price is only €8. You have to take a direct route (no backtracking or round about). You can find the direct route using the website.

Unless you are only going to the Hbf to catch a train, I would recommend that you buy an all zones day ticket, which is good for unlimited trips on all transportation in the entire MVV for the rest of the day (up to 6 AM of the following day). A single person day ticket is €9, the Partner ticket, good all day for up to 5 people traveling together, is €16.

If you are staying several days in Munich, there is a day ticket for just the inner zone, which contains about everything you will want to see. The price for single/partner inner zone day tickets is €4,50/8,00.

The website has very good maps of the system. Click on "MVV network", then "Network maps" to find a whole list of maps for the transit system. "Urban rail network" gives a map of the U/S-Bahn. " Network map city" gives the streetcars and bus lines as well. Under "Tariff maps", you will find maps showing stops and tariff zones if you want to purchase less than an entire system ticket.

Remember to cancel your single ride ticket before boarding the train. I believe that the day ticket is date stamped by the machine and doesn't need to be cancelled, but if it says "Hier entwerten", it does need to be cancelled.
<email>
USA Mon 02/06/2006

HONEYMOON IN ITALY
Thanks for all your advice so far! The reason I asked about beaches, is I have spent time in Italy, and we actually got engaged in Venice last year! We wouldn't want to spend all our time on the beach in Italy, of course...but when I was there for the first time, I lived in Rome for 6 months, and took a week trip down to the bottom of the boot - it was a sleepy town on the water with a great long beach....that's what I'm trying to find...for us to end our trip at for a few days, relaxing a bit. Before that, the amalfi coast and/or the tuscany region are definite choices! Never been to Sicily, maybe that would work. Thanks again for all your suggestions!
Wendy
Denver, CO USA Mon 02/06/2006

Mosel Wine Fests
Thank you so much those of you who responded about the Mosel Wine fests. The links you suggested were spot on and I found a fest that coincided with the dates of our visit.

Also, thanks to the person who noted the Babel fish link. Thank helped a lot!!
Cathy
USA Mon 02/06/2006

Sorrento, Italy
My husband and I will be traveling in southern Italy in Oct. and would like to know if anyone has ever stayed at Hotel La Vue D'or near Sorrento. If so, I would appreciate your input about this hotel.
Arlene <email>
USA Mon 02/06/2006

Working while travelling through Europe.
I was wondering how hard it is to get any type of work in europe for a Australian. Im thinking of staying in europe for 45 weeks. I have AUD$10,000 to spend. So i will adventually need a few small jobs to pay for my travels.

Has anyone had any experiances with this? Please email me if you get the time. Thanks :)
Andrew <email>
Perth, WA Australia Mon 02/06/2006

Strike??
I have an e-ticket on Northwest for this coming Saturday. I have been reading in the paper that the pilots may be taking a strike vote soon. I have looked all over the internet for advise on what to do if there is a strike and haven't found anything. Will another airline honor my e-ticket or do I have to go through Northwest to see if they can get us on another flight? Will I be out of luck and lose my money on the tickets (which were purchased partially with vouchers).

Any ideas???
MI USA Mon 02/06/2006

To CS Transportation to Munich trainstation
It is very easy to take the train from the Munich airport to the train station downtown. The ride is about 42 minutes, and a single ride adult ticket costs 8.80 euros. If you are traveling with others, you can get a group ticket for up to 5 people for 16 euros. This info can be found on the Munich airport website: www.munich-airport.de
Conny
Williamsburg, Va USA Mon 02/06/2006

Transportation from Munich Airport
According to the Munich Airport site (www.munich-airport.de), the train costs 8.80 EUR. There were links to many bus lines, but I didn't check anyof them. The site is viewable in English so you might want to check it for airport maps, etc.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Mon 02/06/2006

Train/Bus from airport into Munich
Going to Munich in July. Does anyone know the cost of the train from the Munich airport to the main train station or the cost of a bus? Which would be better to take into Munich?
CS
WI USA Mon 02/06/2006

Room for a night in Varazdin
Hi, we are looking to spend one night in Varazdin around the 22nd of May ( a Monday). We need a double room in or very close to the center with a place to safely park a rental car. Any and all suggestions welcome. We have tried without success to contact the Hotel Tourist and the Garestin. Any booking advice or recommendations for private accommodations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks John & Robin
John & Robin <email>
Atascadero, USA Sun 02/05/2006

VISITING SPAIN AND PORTUGAL
I think that visiting Spain and Portugal are great options. As a matter of fact I did it a few months ago, traveling solo. In regards to flying in to Barcelona and Flying out of Portugal, it is easy to move around with an airline called vueling. They have very inexpensive air fares from Barcelona to Lisbon, and I believe they recently began flying to Madrid. As opposed to many small airlines, Vueling DOES fly to Major airports. Try www.vueling.com
Claudia <email>
Lima, Peru Sun 02/05/2006

CINQUE TERRE
Enzian: I would never take a room in Vernazza without looking at it.

I looked at 5 apartments before I chose one when I was there last year.

Italian standards are different in that region.

When you arrive and start walking the town people will approach you asking if you need a room and they will take you to see whatever you ask for. I would never rent in advance.
HARVEY CHANDRI
NYC, NY USA Sun 02/05/2006

GARY .....HELP WITH YOUR ITINERARY
Gary: if you look at a highway map you can tell the distance between towns.

Allow enough time to drive and see the sights for each town and you will know how many days you will need to cover the area you want to see.

No one else can estimate time required by you because we don’t know how fast you move and what you plan to see in each town.

Only you can do that.
ZETTA M
DALLAS, USA Sun 02/05/2006

London Transport Advice Response/Followup
Thanks to Norm and Tim. Tim mentioned that I should leave at least five hours between Stansted and Heathrow. The SkyEurope flight that we were going to take would be arriving at Stansted at 8:10am, and my flight out of Heathrow on IcelandAir is at 1:00pm. So that's just shy of five hours between arrival/departure. If all goes as planned, we will be traveling light and will only have carryon baggage. Do you think we will still be cutting it too close? I don't know what SkyEurope's reputation for on-time service is; there is a 9:25am National Express coach that arrives at Heathrow at 11:05am. Seems like enough "wiggle room" in the timing, but I don't know how much walking we'll have to do in order to get to the coach after we deplane, and then get to our terminal once we arrive at Heathrow.

If this is going to be too close, then we'll go back to London a day early to play it safe. Thanks again!
Bryan <email>
Maryland USA Sun 02/05/2006

Special Places and Things
The villages on the upper shores of Lake Garda are very special, as is Varenna on Como and Lido and Murano in Venice. And there is nobody (or at least many fewer) in Italy's south. Exceptional moments are less a function od WHERE you are as they are of WHO you have contact with. Talk about the weather in Italian with a local, offer to take a photo for them to keep, play peek-a-boo with babies. So long as locals are made happy by you, wonderful things will follow.
Paul n Sara <email>
USA Sun 02/05/2006

Il dolce far niente
Hello David---to truly find "il dolce far niente", you should include a few days in a smaller Tuscan town---perhaps Siena or Lucca, or other places as suggested by others here. You certainly won't find it in Milan. I agree with those below who suggested Venice instead---it is truly an enchanting place. Although often criticised as "touristy", what place worth visiting is not? The absence of auto traffic makes Venice a very pleasant place for just wandering. I would much rather sit at a cafe on one of the Venetian "campi" (small squares) and enjoy a gelato, small snack, or glass of wine, than just about anyplace else in Italy. Your daughter would enjoy the novelty of getting around by boat. Read up a bit on the history, and explain to her that all those lovely palazzi are built on a foundation of a million of tree trunks pounded into the mud, hundreds of years ago. The place is so improbable---and therefore so wonderful.
Enzian
Seattle, USA Sun 02/05/2006

Italy for David
Take your daughter to Florence for the art, and to Rome for the history. Skip Milan and go to Venice---it is much more peaceful for strolling. Include a day trip by boat to the glassworks on Murano---she'll like that. Even if you fly into Milan (the flights there are generally the least expensive), go straight to Como, then to Venice, Florence, and then Rome.
USA Sun 02/05/2006

Re: Help on Italy itinerary
I agree with DB....Milan never really thrilled me. I'd probably set up an itinerary like 3 nights in Venice, 2 nites in Tuscany (as DB suggests) or in Cinque Terre, 3 nights in Florence, and four nights in Rome (with a long day trip to Naples for Pompeii or Herculaneum).
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 02/05/2006

London Public Transport Advice
The subway trip from Heathrow to downtown is 4 pounds cash fare for "Pay as you go". Each other ride from Chelsea) will cost you 3 pounds (Zone 2 I believe?), so that's 6 pounds round trip. Most of the sites are within walking distance, except perhaps Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, so let's throw in another round trip per day....6 pounds more. Times 2 days, 28 pounds total, per person. The 3-day Travelcard covering zones 1-6, for offpeak travel (after 9:30 am) is 18.90 pounds. Oyster cards, which you're supposed to be able to pick up at all Tube stations, require you put money on them, "charge them up," so to speak. You have to put a 3 pound deposit on them, getting that back when you hand it back in. For Oyster fares, the trip from Heathrow drops to 3.50 pounds (2 pounds after 7 pm and on weekends), while each of your trips from Chelsea drops to 2 pounds each way (1.50 after 7 pm and on weekends). So with Oyster, using the same estimate as above, you could end up paying from 18.50 to 19.50 pounds, depending on whether you make any weekend or evening trips. And if you keep your Oyster card for the trip back to Heathrow, you'll save about 50 pence on the cost. If you intend to walk around London a lot, Oyster's the better bet. As for Stansted, there are buses and train services from London. See http://www.stanstedexpress.com/ for the train (about 15 pounds each way, leaves from Liverpool Street Station), and http://www.nationalexpress.com for buses (every 15 minutes or so, 15 pounds round-trip...several stops, but begins at Victoria Coach Station.)
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 02/05/2006

London Public Transport advice
Assuming it will be after 09:30 by the time you're ready to leave Heathrow, for your first day buy a one day off-peak travelcard for zones 1-6.

There is a one day bus pass good for all zones that costs 3.50 GBP, but if you think you'll take even one tube ride, then you might as well plan to buy either a one day peak or off-peak travelcard for zones 1-2 for your second day.

The cheapest way to get to Stansted on your third day is to take the Terravision Express Shuttle bus (8.50 GBP) from Victoria Coach Station. The next cheapest is a National Express coach (10.00 GBP). Fastest but most expensive is the Stansted Express train.

The best way to get from Stansted to Heathrow when you return to London is to take a National Express coach directly between the airports. I hope you have allowed five hours (or more) between your scheduled arrival at Stansted and your scheduled departure from Heathrow.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Sun 02/05/2006

Re: Help on Italy itinerary
David in SF - I'm assuming this will be your first trip to Italy. Maybe rather than 4 days in each city, spend 3 in each, and get in another city or two? If it were me, I'd lose at least one day from Milan (Milan's OK, but I don't think it compares to the other major cities). I haven't been to lake Como, so I can't judge it, but from what I've heard (it's nice, but that's not what I go to Italy for)...I'd trade it for time spent elsewhere on such a tight trip. I'd steal a day here and there to spend a couple days in Venice instead, and maybe squeeze in a day in Siena and/or another hilltown in Tuscany. Hope this helps.
DB
Seattle, WA USA Sun 02/05/2006

London Public Transport Advice
I would like advice as to how I can get the best deal on public transportation while in London. We are only going there for two nights on our way to Rome. The journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk web site is very helpful in finding exactly how we can get from point to point... but I cannot figure out the cheapest option for fares, i.e. whether I should just pay out-of-pocket for each trip on a bus or subway, or whether I should by one of these Travelcards, or an Oyster Card, or...?

We are flying into Heathrow, and need to get from there to the Beaufort St. area of Chelsea. From there, we will be going to sites that are mostly nearby -- National Gallery of Art, Brompton Oratory, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Cathedral; we'll probably also go over to the Tower of London. Whatever we can do in 1 1/2 days! So for the brief sightseeing portion, we will probably take buses mostly, but possibly the Tube.

Then, we need to get from Chelsea to Stansted for our flight to Rome. From Rome, we'll eventually head on to Bratislava. From Bratislava, we will fly back into London via Stansted, then have to get from Stansted to Heathrow for an afternoon flight back to the States.

So, a synopsis of our London Public Transport needs is:

1. Heathrow - Chelsea 2. Chelsea - Sightseeing (around central London mostly) 3. Chelsea - Stansted (for flight to Rome) 4. Stansted - Heathrow (for flight back to States)

I thought the three-day off-peak Travelcard might be a good buy, even though we are only going to be there for two days really, but then I noticed that Stansted is not included in the 6 London zones for which travel is available on that card. I noticed on Rick's travel news page that cash-and-carry fares are going up on the Tube, and that the new Oyster card is the better option for lower prices. There's so much to sort through, I don't know what to do. All I know is that we are on a pretty restrictive (student) budget, so whatever will be cheapest is what we want! Thanks to all for the ongoing help in this forum for this trip.
Bryan <email>
Maryland USA Sun 02/05/2006

bus service in Canterbury
For Dover-Canterbury, check out http://www.nationalexpress.com. For local bus travel in and around Bath, check out http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/southwest/somerset/home/ and (for tours) http://www.bathbuscompany.com/
Nomr <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 02/05/2006

bus service in Canterbury
Anyone know if there is a bus service that runs between Dover and Canterbury? Also, one that runs around the area around Bath?
Norma <email>
CO USA Sun 02/05/2006

Enzian- Cinque Terra
Enzian. Consider staying at the Hostel in Manarola. It is a hike up the hill but you said that doesn't matter. The Hostel is spotless and well run. The pasta dinner we had there for four euro was better than some of the restaurants we ate at. There is also an outdoor balcony sitting area with great views. We had a family room for four(bunkbeds) with private bath and a great view of the town and sea below. This is a great hostel experience.
Brian <email>
Pompano beach, FL USA Sun 02/05/2006

Help on Italy itinerary
I'll be travelling to Italy in mid-June with my 12 year old daughter and would like some advice on our itinerary.

We have about 12 days for travelling and realize that we can't possibly see everything in so short a time. We plan to travel between cities by train, and would prefer several nights in a few places (as opposed to 12 towns in 12 nights)

We really enjoyed the combination of museums, cafe ambience and a bit of shopping in Paris last summer and are trying to find "La dolce Far Niente" in Italy.

I was thinking of this: Three nights in Milan (with a day trip to Lake Como) Four nights in Florence. Four nights in Rome

Any comments?

Thanks in advance!
David <email>
San Francisco, CA USA Sun 02/05/2006

Re: B & B Near a Train Station
We just spent a week (21Jan2006 to 28Jan2006) at the Limetree Hotel at 135 Ebury Street. About a five to ten minute walk to Victoria Station. Nice rooms, great staff, good location. Look it up in Ricks London book on places to sleep.
Tony Jucaitis
Lakewood, Ohio USA Sun 02/05/2006

For Katie
I bought some of our Trenitalia tickets ahead of time and wish (for the IC legs) that I hadn't. One train was cancelled and all I could do was hang onto the tickets and eventually I got half credit back...another time our plans changed but we lost some flexibility because I had the purchased tickets already. I can't help you with the price difference- hopefully someone else will write with that. (Orvieto is AMAZING!!!)
Karen
USA Sun 02/05/2006

Honeymoon plans!
I will "third" the opinion about beaches not being the major reason to go to Italy- for a honeymoon I can't imagine anything more romantic than flying into Venice (easy small airport)and then staying somewhere and driving around in Tuscany to relax and unwind- including Florence if you have time. Congratulations!
USA Sun 02/05/2006

Laura's itinerary
I don't think there's any such thing as "too much time in Switzerland", but we go there to hike and be in the mountains. I would find Interlaken a let-down after being in Gimmelwald. And Bern is not worth a day-trip (or a day on your train pass) from Mürren or Gimmelwald. You could, instead, stop there on your way from Nice to Gimmelwald (that is a very long trip, 10 hours or more, best broken up somewhere. The main routes go through either Geneva and Bern, or through Genoa and Milan, but that way would have you backtracking when you return to Italy). Bern has gotten some negative reviews on this site---maybe someone else can comment on that.

After Mürren/Gimmelwald, instead of Interlaken, consider a few nights in Kandersteg, which is on the main train line down to Italy. I believe there are some nice hostels and budget hotels there. Or take the chairlift up to the mountain inn at the lake, which has dorm accomodations for budget travelers. One great thing to do in Kandersteg is rent bikes (available at the train station) and ride into the next valley, the Gasterntal, on a road which is closed to normal traffic. It is spectacular----the road is hung on the side of a gorge above a roaring river. Mark Twain described it somewhere as "barely wide enough for a cow and an Christian." The valley itself is sparsely settled, and looks a lot like Yosemite. If you don't want to bike in, you could walk (we did), or take a private shuttle. There are several rustic inns in the valley where you could have lunch or a snack and hot chocolate. Also, if you want to visit Bern, it's only an hour from Kandersteg by intercity express train (just buy a ticket; don't use a day of your train pass).

From Switzerland to Como, a spectacular way to go is on a private narrow-gauge railway from Domodossola to Locarno. Take the regular train toward Milan, but make sure it is one that stops in Domodossola, just over the Swiss-Italian border. Change there for the private train on the Centrovalli railway (www.rail-info.ch/FART (that stands for Feroview Autlinee Regionali Ticinesi)). I don't know if a train pass covers this route, but it's well worth doing even if you have to pay. It's one of those "most scenic trains in Italy" rides. From Locarno, you can take a short ride on a regular train to Como (via Bellinzona).
Enzian
Seattle, WA USA Sun 02/05/2006

Trenitalia
We plan to take train from Orvieto to Venice. Should we buy tickets from the website before we leave or wait until we are in Italy? We bought tickets at AmX in Rome on the last trip--not sure we got the best price. Any advice?
Katie
USA Sun 02/05/2006

Italian Honeymoon
Wendy- My husband and and spent our honeymoon in Italy but rather than seeing the beaches we spent a week in Tuscany and Umbria. The trip was very relaxing and romantic. I agree with DB on the beaches being pretty but they are not like the beaches closer to the states.
Beth
Athens, GA USA Sun 02/05/2006

Hotel/Villa/etc
Weare considering a trip to Sardina (Italy) and would like some recommendations of hotels. We are a family of 4 (3 of us adults) and would like to visit this beautiful island. We will be visiting in Rome prior to our stop in Sardina.

Lisa
Lisa <email>
Lafayette, IN USA Sun 02/05/2006

Our Rough Itinerary - suggestions?
Hi, My husband and I are going to be backpacking Europe from May 29th thru July 14th. Here is our rough itinerary. Any suggestions?

5/29/06 Fly from Houston, TX to London Gatwick

5/30/06 London (Day Trips to Cambridge and Bath while in London)

5/31/06 London 6/1/06 London

6/2/06 London

6/3/06 London

6/4/06 Paris (Day trips to Versailles and Chartres while in Paris)

6/5/06 Paris

6/6/06 Paris

6/7/06 Paris

6/8/06 Paris

6/9/06 Tours

6/10/06 Tours

6/11/06 Tours

6/12/06 Nice

6/13/06 Nice

6/14/06 Gimmelwald or Murren(day trip to Bern while in Switzerland)

6/15/06 Gimmelwald or Murren

6/16/06 Gimmelwald or Murren

6/17/06 Interlaken

6/18/06 Interlaken

6/19/06 Interlaken (Is this too long spent in Switzerland?)

6/20/06 Lake Como (Day trip to Milan or stop thru on way to Venice)

6/21/06 Lake Como

6/22/06 Lake Como

6/23/06 Lake Como

6/24/06 Venice (Should we take a day away from Venice and put it elsewhere?)

6/25/06 Venice

6/26/06 Venice

6/27/06 Venice

6/28/06 Cinque Terre (Day trip to Pisa while in Cinque Terre)

6/29/06 Cinque Terre

6/30/06 Cinque Terre

7/1/06 Cinque Terre

7/2/06 Cortona (Day trip to Florence, or stop thru on way to Cortona)

7/3/06 Cortona

7/4/06 Cortona

7/5/06 Cotona

7/6/06 Rome (We’ve been to Rome before on our honeymoon)

7/7/06 Rome

7/8/06 Abruzzo

7/9/06 Abruzzo

7/10/06 Abruzzo

7/11/06 Positano/Sorrento (Went here on honeymoon also)

7/12/06 Positano/Sorrento

7/13/06 Fly out of Naples (Layover in London)

7/14/06 London to Houston, TX

A few questions I have:

1) Should we skip Nice and the French Riviera since we will be spending time in the Cinque Terre?

2) Are we spending to much time in Switzerland? Or, considering Gimmelwald and Interlaken are relatively close should we choose one?

3) Is Cortona close enough to Florence that we could see enough of Florence without staying there? Or should we designate a couple nights to Florence?

4) Based on this itinerary what rail pass do you think we would need? (I'm thinking the 15 day saver pass)
Laura <email>
Burbank, CA USA Sun 02/05/2006

Re: HONEYMOON IN ITALY!
Wendy - I can't give you much help specifically on beaches in Italy, but will add this: for my tastes, there's better ways to spend your time in Italy than hanging out at the beach. For me, if I want a great beach experience, I'd go to the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, etc...someplace where the beaches are a prime attraction. I'm sure there are lots of nice enough beaches in Italy, but I suspect that the nice ones will tend to be pretty crowded, and (frankly) not the perfect stretches of soft sand that many of us think when we think "beautiful beach." I'm no expert on Italian beaches, but from what I've seen, many of the beaches that people flock to there are pebble beaches (little rocks), not "sugar sand". Now, some of these are in utterly spectacular, charming settings (the Amalfi Coast comes to mind), and wel worth seeing - as part of a larger trip - but they're not so idyllic as beaches in other parts of the world. On the other hand, Italy has so many wonderful things to see and do...much better than it's beaches. Would Italy be a great place for a honeymoon? Certainly. But unless you've been there many times already, I wouldn't plan a trip to Italy around its beaches. Rather, I'd plan the trip around the things there are to see, and maybe schedule in a small sliver of time on a beach, too. Hope that helps.
DB
Seattle, WA USA Sun 02/05/2006

Beth - Re: Sicily
Beth, I think Sicily is best done by a rented car. Most of the best things to see (IMHO) are away from the few "big" cities (and what few "big" cities there are, don't really compare to big cities elsewhere in Europe, which I strongly prefer not to drive in). AFAIK, there's not much of a rail network, and although I'm sure there are bus lines, I think it would be a pain (especially with a child along). On the other hand, the road system is excellent (better than in many parts of Italy). There are some crazy drivers, but if you relax and just let them pass you (three-abreast on a blind curve? go ahead if you want, Mario, it's not my problem) and let them worry about it, you should do fine. We did a lightning drive around Sicily a few years back and loved it, wished we had had more time. Warm, sunny, nice beaches, great food, no crowds (compared to the major mainland sites), incredible history. By all means, don't miss the great ruin sites - Agrigento and Selinunte especially - much better greek temples than you'll find anywhere.
DB
Seattle, WA USA Sun 02/05/2006

Farmstays in Czech Republic
For Edward and others who were interested in Farmstays in the Czech Republic: With the help of my parents who have friends who travel to the Czech Republic often, those who are interested in a farmstay experience have a place to start looking http://ceskamiss.seznam.cz/Cestovni-sluzby-a-pohostinstvi/Ubytovaci-sluzby/Rekreacni-ubytovani/Farmy-a-statky/index.html

Some of the sites are only in Czech but some also have other language translation.

Good Luck
Connie <email>
FL USA Sun 02/05/2006

HONEYMOON IN ITALY!
We have decided that in our search for both relaxation and adventure, Italy would be perfect for us. We will be going in the first week of June. Any suggestions of beach areas in Italy?
Wendy
Denver, CO USA Sun 02/05/2006

travel in Sicily
We are planning a trip to Sicily in May and can't find much information on travel within the island. Can anyone give us an idea on the best way to travel? Should we rent a car, tours, train, bus, etc. We will be traveling with a 5 year old and an infant.
Beth
Athens, GA USA Sun 02/05/2006

Gianni's in Vernazza
My husband and I have stayed there three times, two in the rooms with the view of the sea, and once in the newer section. The view rooms are up many stairs outside, and then up small, lighthouse type spiral staircases in the house to get to your room. The amount of steps is equivalent to a good workout, so it is good to plan and take what you want to use with you. Once you are out on the street, it is quite far (and high) to get back to your room. The rooms are small. One time we were put in a newer room, located on the other side of the square from the restaurant. It was big enough for three which had a small kitchen! We did not see the "cliff hanging garden", our view was on a passageway and rather boring...the top side of this was that there were clothes lines outside of the window and a place to hang laundry. We felt very Italian! Gianne's restaurant is one of my favorites, and the others are wonderful as well. It's always been our choice to stay in Vernazza and at Gianni's. We have never had a problem with our rooms or the restaurant.
Sandy
Maryland USA Sun 02/05/2006

Help with Itinerary
Gary -

I regret missing Rhotenburg during my trip through Germany, but I heard wonderful things about it. You should consider spending another day or two there and a day less in Munich. I spent two nights and one day in Munich and was completely satisfied.

In Reutte, there is a wonderful hostel (if you are interested in hostelling at all), that is more like a bed and breakfast with excellent accomodations, food and caretakers. It is outside of Reutte in a very quiet, scenic area. I believe it is listed in Rick's guides, or you can probably just ask at the TI in Reutte and find it.

You shouldn't have trouble squeezing in a trip on the Rhine with a car. One option is to park your car in a village and take a boat up, then return after spending a day in a nice village. Rick's books will help with this. I definitely recommend fitting in the Rhine, it really is a beautiful, relaxing journey. On the Rhine I visited St. Goar and Bacharach and enjoyed them both immensely. I didn't have a car, though.

Good luck on your trip, enjoy!
Jennifer
Ohio USA Sat 02/04/2006

Mosel Wine Fests - Translation
Speaking of foreign language sites, you can cut and paste information into the translation boxes at www.babelfish.altavista.com. The translations come out rough, but you'll be able to get the gist of what they're trying to tell you
Norm
Ottawa, Canada Sat 02/04/2006

Mosel Wine Fests
Good afternoon, I have a great web site for you to visit. It is in German but you can see by the calendar posted that lots of things are going on every month along the Mosel. If you can get a pocket translater, you should be able to figure out what is happening. This the town of Kröv, a wondeful spot along the Mosel. We stayed at this guest house on one trip and another Zimmer during a second visit to the area. The area is beautiful, you'll have a great time. Go to: www.weingut-dreigiebelhaus.de The owner speaks English and I'm sure if you e-mailed him, he will let you know what is going on during your stay. Happy Travels.
Pat
MA USA Sat 02/04/2006

Cinque Terre
OK---I've read the whole section in "Italy 2006" three times and still can't make up my mind. We will stay three nights, so I want to get it right. I think Vernazza would work best for us, because of more choices for dining, but I'm open to other suggestions. The absolute requirements for a place to stay are kind and reliable owners, and a view of the sea, hopefully with a terrace or balcony. Stairs, even hundreds of them, are no problem. The two places recommended in Vernazza that appear to meet my requirements are Trattoria Gianni and Elisabetta's rooms. Gianni gets very mixed reviews on Tripadvisor---some people absolutely love the place, but others say they got the bait and switch (to a dirty or less desireable room than what they reserved). The pictures on the website are very tempting. We would require a triple room so I assume that is in the newer section (#47)? With access to the cliff-hanging garden? I'd be interested in hearing of people's experience with this place. As for Elisabetta's, again the photos of the terraces on the web look lovely, but it seems the rooms are quite small. We would probably have to take two rooms for the three of us. Does anyone know if all three rooms share one bath? Or is there a bath on each floor? Thanks for your help.
Enzian
Seattle, WA USA Sat 02/04/2006

Kara - Morocco
Morocco is a wonderful place to visit, and I'd highly recommend it. It is, however, somewhat different from Europe - which, of course, is why it's so interesting, but also why it poses some challenges. I traveled pretty extensively through Morocco about 10 years ago. Here are some thoughts: I did *not* make Morocco a side-trip from Spain, so I haven't had the experience of getting off the boat and running the gauntlet, but I have heard from virtually everyone who has that the initial exposure to the country is the most stressful, most hassle-filled. Morocco is a third-world country, an African country, an Arab country and an Islamic country. Some things are very different! Unemployment is quite high by western standards, and a LOT of young men will be there trying to hustle you for one thing or another (offering guide services - this is the most common, also english practice/translation, hawking souvenirs, etc.). The touts will hit you up most frequently/intensely where the tourists concentrate - I'm told the docks where the ferries from Spain arrive are the worst, but you'll also be approached frequently at major tourist sites. I eventually found this quite annoying, but it's helpful to remember what's driving this (by any objective local standard, you're rich; they're struggling to get by). Still, despite my best efforts to not be the "ugly American" tourist, there were times when I couldn't help but scream at the handful of 14-years olds trailing me and hassling me to hire then as a "guide" - I found that getting rude sometimes was the only thing that would get them to leave me alone. I felt guilty about coming across as a jerk, but there were times when nothing else worked. My advice: be the polite, respectful traveler you usually are, but if they don't eventually take a simple but firm "no, thank you", don't be afraid to push back harder. That said, I really enjoyed my time there. The old cities were particularly fascinating - walking through the old stone walls and entering the medina (a maze of narrow, twisty alleys and passageways) was amazing. Fortunately, I found that once I plunged into the medinas, the touts gave up on me and went back to the main gates to look for another likely western visitor. Once inside, the only challenge was finding my way around the maze. Here's a suggestion: bring a compass with you. Laugh if you like, but I have since discovered that I never get lost in foreign cities - even the crazy medinas in Moroccan cities - if I have a little compass along (doesn't need to be big/fancy - I have a keyring compass from REI, it's tiny but can tell me which way is north). At first I was pretty anxious about navigating the medinas, but having a compass made it easy to find my way back out ("let's see...how did I get here? I turned left at the pyramid of sheep heads, headed north, then turned right at the pile of snakeskins, etc.). As for highlights of my trip: Marrakesh has the great medina, and the large square just outside the old city walls was a 500-ring circus, filled with snake-charmers, belly-dancers, folk-dentists, magicians, etc.; I also liked Fez and Meknes. I was surprised to find there are some very impressive Roman ruins not far from Meknes. I also like Essouaria on the Atlantic coast - a bit more off the beaten path but a delightful old city with a wonderful climate. Language issues can crop up - I can't make heads nor tails of Arabic script, and this was my first time in a country where I not only didn't speak the language, but couldn't even recognize text (Mens Room vs. Womens Room, Enter/Exit, Stop/Go, etc. - all completely incompreensible to em when written). Fortunately, French is the country's 2nd language, and many people who work in government or deal with tourists will speak some French. I speak French badly enough to make a fool of myself in Paris, but it was just about right for the bad French they spoke in Morocco. BTW, the train service there is quite good - another legacy of the French colonial era. One last tip: there's no "Rick's American Café" in Casablanca, and not a whole lot else to see in that city (there's one huge mosque which is beautiful from the outside - like other mosques, infidels like me are not allowed inside). Try to learn at least a few of the most critical phrases in Arabic (good luck!). Go prepared for some challenges and some things that are very different, but go - lots of cool things to see there and you'll have wonderful experiences. Salaam halikum, and Beshmeelah!
DB
Seattle, WA USA Sat 02/04/2006

RE: help with itinerary
Gary,

looks like you would be driving the Romantic road twice, since it basically goes from Rothenburg to Fuessen. Go directly to Rothenburg, spend the night, then go directly to Fuessen. You might save a day that way.

Actually, if you are trying to use a base and avoid continuously checking in and out, both Rothenburg and Fuessen can be done as (long) day trips from Munich. The Romantic road is a long day's drive and you won't have much time to stop and see towns like Dinkelsbuhl and Nordlingen. After Rothenburg they are probably redundant.

The Rhein gorge is probably out of the question unless you cut somewhere else. Going to the Rhein would be easier and faster if you had an open jaws flight with a return from Frankfurt.

You might want to look into using the train more, especially in Bavaria, with the €25 Bayern Ticket. There is also a DB special that would get you from Munich to Zurich for only €29 per person.
<email>
USA Sat 02/04/2006

Morocco
Morocco was one of the absolute highlights of our 3 week visit to Spain last August. My 13 & 16 year old daughters loved it and only wished we could have spent more than 2 days there. It was such an eye-opening, culturally exotic experiene for us, so much different than any western European country we had ever visited. At first my girls were frightened because everything and everyone looked so very different to us. We soon found the people to be the warmest, friendliest that we'd ever met. It was AMAZING and I'd go back (to spend weeks!) in a heartbeat.
Terry <email>
Bend, OR USA Sat 02/04/2006

Morocco
I am studing abroad in Spain for about three months. After the semester is over I am going to be traveling for three weeks. Our program does not want us going to Morocco because of bad experinces that others have had. I was going to go with a group and we were only planning on staying during the day. Can anyone help me out on this? Is it that bad there? Please let me know. I am leaving on the 17th for Spain.
Kara <email>
SD, Ca USA Sat 02/04/2006

I need help with my itinerary
I would welcome comments on the following itinerary. I want to establish a few "bases" and explore from there, rather than check in and out of hotels continuously. --Arrive Munich July 25, stay in Munich July 25, 26, 27. --July 28 Rent car, drive Romantic Road, end in Rothenburg --July 29 Rothenburg and area --July 30--Drive to Fussen or Reutte or Tirol --July 31 Fussen or Reutte or Tirol --August 1 Drive to Lucerne --Ausugst 2 Lucerne --August 3-6 Lauterbrennen --August 7 Return to Munich, fly home

Also, is there any good way to include the Rhine on this itinerary? Thanks for the help!!!
Gary <email>
Cary, NC USA Sat 02/04/2006

Rebecca
Those seem like great prices for those airline tickets to Europe. I paid a lot more. I would jump on them!
Sally <email>
El Dorado Hills, CA USA Fri 02/03/2006

Pat : B & B in Cotswolds area
At Moreton-in-Marsh a good B & B : Treetops B & B. Built on to a home, not old, it is clean, pleasant, modern. A quiet place with a beautiful green back yard. Located near the Moreton-in-Marsh train station. The B & B is at the opposite side of the railroad from the town. An public arboretum is not far away. A bus goes from Moreton-in-Marsh to Chipping Campden. Moreton-in-Marsh is a good central location. Information on this B & B is in book : Rick Steves' Great Britain.
Ken
Missouri USA Fri 02/03/2006

Rome
Hannah, I agree with the others. Rome is as safe as the other big cities. It is my favorite city in Italy. You HAVE to go there. You'll have a great time. Use the money belt and you'll be fine.
Sally <email>
El Dorado Hills, CA USA Fri 02/03/2006

Safety in Italy
Hanna-I sent my 17 year old daughter with friends to Europe last year and Rome was among their favorite places. I was not nearly as worried about their physical safety as I would have been in many large US cities (including where we live). I lectured about money belt usage while in Rome but I don't think they bothered with it. Every picture from this trip, however, has all the girls with hands firmly on their purse, strap across the chest and in front - so they were at least a bit cautious. Be sure you know what you will do if you do get pickpocketed. Otherwise have a wonderful trip to Rome - it is wonderful.
USA Fri 02/03/2006

Re: Hannah - Italy
Hannah - Linda's right. Don't let people scare you unnecessarily. Rome is just a big city, and as long as you keep your wits about yourself, you will be just fine. Millions of tourists visit every year and only a relative handful have any trouble. Just use your head, as you would if you were visiting NYC, LA or Miami. Use the money belt, follow Rick's advice, etc. A digital camera is no longer such a novelty; an obvious camera only marks you as another tourist, and (sadly) there are armies of tourists all over Italy, so you won't exactly stand out. Keep a firm grip on your camera when on a subway, bus, train station, while waiting around high-traffic areas, etc. Scary stories are way out of proportion to reality. Be smart, stop worrying, enjoy a great trip - 'nufff said!
DB
Seattle, WA USA Fri 02/03/2006

Go to Rome?
Hanna, I am a woman, now 65, have been to Rome 4 times since 2000, and always alone. It is fine! I have walked all over even after dark and never felt threatened. I have also been to Palermo, spent 3 days, loved it. Don't let the stories scare you away from Rome! It is a wonderful city. See the Vatican treasures, St Peter's, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi fountain and all the other fountains, the Colosseum, Trastevere, the Forum, etc. Just enjoy it!
Linda <email>
PA USA Fri 02/03/2006

How safe is Rome?
This will be my first ever trip to Italy.I will be traveling with my friend and we want to go to Rome but I always here about the crime. I want to here from those who have been there. Is this a safe place for 2 women in their 20's? We will be using money belts and keeping an eye on everything, but I do have a digital camera I plan on using. Can anyone help with this?
Hannah
Folsom, CA USA Fri 02/03/2006

Packing a laptop
No way around packing it in a good laptop case. I take it as my "personal" bag and take my carry-on suitcase aboard as well. If you're doing the same thing, you'll have to choose a purse that you can fold very flat in your suitcase, then cram its contents into little nooks and crannies of your suitcase...take the "essentials" in coat pockets. If you're checking your luggage, you'll have a little more room to manouever. Make sure the laptop case is big enough to take all the accessories you'll need, and that it's well padded. If it's big enough, it should be able to take some of the "essentials" that you'd carry in a purse. Make sure the power adapter can cope with foreign power levels (220-240 in Europe) and that you have the proper plug adapter. Make sure you store it at your feet on the airplane! I saw a fellow passenger get a concussion a few years' back when a laptop popped out of an overhead during turbulence. I assume you're going wireless...find wireless connection sites at http://wififreespot.com/, http://www.jiwire.com/, and http://wifinder.com/. Dialup is a whole different matter!
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Fri 02/03/2006

Spain and Portugal
Teri...depending on what you want to see, and depending what you can get from your airline, you may want to consider flying into and out of Madrid, basing yourself there, then renting a car, and spending half your time making a loop through eastern Spain, then the other half looping through western Spain and Portugal. That'll allow you a chance to see great cities like Barcelona, Sevilla, Granada, Oporto, Lisbon, and the like. You can fly into Barcelona through London, Paris, or Rome, although you might have to look for a discount airline and pay for that (from London Heathrow, you can get flights for about 130 Euros per person, one way). But the one-way drop-off charges renting a car in Barcelona and dropping off in Lisbon would be super-high. And I would try my darndest not to miss Barcelona. As an earlier poster noted, driving distances are a lot longer than you may think....four hours Madrid to Granada, for example.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Fri 02/03/2006

Duluth Presentation Jackett
Does anyone have the Duluth Trading Company Presentation Jacket in the "Fire Hose Canvas" materlai. Take a look http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/mens/mens_presentation/85350.aspx

Comments please!
Chuck <email>
LA, CA USA Fri 02/03/2006

Spain, Vienna, Prague, Berlin
Hi Johanna, As a female who had done quite a bit of Euro traveling (both solo and w/others) I would choose Prague and Vienna. They are close by rail so you could avoid overnight train travel. I love Berlin, but I wouldn't be happy in Berlin by myself. It's a big city that's not as walkable as Vienna or Prague. In my opinion, Prague and Vienna are better for strolling around solo and there are lots of cafes, concerts, shops, etc. You can take a river cruise in Prague, go to Chesky Krumlov for the day (artsy village). Another place I would do solo is Krakow. Very walkable city with gorgeous castle and churches. It's an overnight train ride from Prague. I've never been to Spain, but it's on my list! Check out the Women Travelers link on this site for tips on scams and safety.
Seattle, WA USA Fri 02/03/2006

Bratislava to Prague
try Europe by Air.
USA Fri 02/03/2006

Bratislava to Prague
Sorry, it is Slovakian Rail, www.slovakrail.sk, that is not in English. Czech Rail, www.cd.cz, has an English side.
<email>
USA Fri 02/03/2006

Single traveler
Joanna---you can certainly be "safe" in any of those places. But a woman traveling alone in Spain can be uncomfortable, while I don't think anyone will give you any trouble in either Vienna, Prague, or Berlin. (Do watch out for scam artists in Prague, however).
USA Fri 02/03/2006

Bratislava to Prague by train
I used the German Rail website, reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en, to find trains. There are three daily EuroCity trains between Bratislava and Prague. They take just over 4 hours, 1 hour in Slovakia and 3 hours in the Czech Repurblic.

I used Slovakian Rail, www.slovakrail.sk, from Bratislava to Kuty and Czech Rail, www.cd.cz (no English), for Breclav to Prague. They each only give fares within their country. The fare from Bratislava to Kuty is 84 Sk, about €2,25. The fare from Breclav, just inside the border, to Prague is 430 Kc, about €15.

That still leaves a fare gap of about 15 minutes where the train crosses the border between Kuty and Breclav, but I wouldn't expect the entire fare to be more than €20. Of course, the fare might differ depending on where you buy your ticket.

Rail Europe also sells a bunk in a 2nd class (6 person) couchette on a night train from Bratislava to Prague for $78.
<email>
USA Fri 02/03/2006

B&B in Cotswolds Area
Going to England in May. Has anyone stayed at West Porlock Country House in West Porlock or Nineveh Farm in Chipping Campden? If not, any suggestions for nice B&B in these areas? Thanks.
Pat
MS USA Fri 02/03/2006

Mosel Winefests
Try a Google search in German (I used "Mosel weinfest sommer 2006"). Almost everything I saw is at the end of August, but it looks like the village of Poltersdorf (I don't know where that is) might have one the last weekend of July.
USA Fri 02/03/2006

Northwest carry ons
Drew, unless things have changed since June '05, I've never had a problem with Northwest and what I took on the plane. In fact, I usually carry a backpack or duffle bag on the plane with me and they've never given it a second look. Probably the most important is that it is collapasible so you can shove it under the seat in front of you.
Lee
Tn USA Fri 02/03/2006

Carry-on Luggage
I have a backpack that is about 24 inches long, but very narrow. Northwest's carry-on guidlines state: Cannot exceed 45 linear inches (9 inches by 14 inches by 22 inches). Because mine is under 45 linear inches is mine alright, or does it have to be less than 22 inches long?
Drew <email>
Hot Springs, SD USA Fri 02/03/2006

SINGLE TRAVELER
Joanna :If you don’t get an answer on this page, I suggest you contact your travel agent for advice. If you don’t have one, ask your friends to recommend one.

Second choice is to visit your local library and browse through some travel guide books.

It is hard to determine safe and easy when you travel alone. Depends on whether you can afford to fly or can afford only rail travel.
USA Fri 02/03/2006

BRATISLAVA TO PRAGUE BY AIR
Bryan:

Czech Airlines shows a fare of $195 round trip. See the website at:www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll?tovr
C, C, M.
TEXAS USA Fri 02/03/2006

Bratislava to Prague
I've traveled from Bratislava to Prague one time -- but I had a Slovak friend who helped me find the right bus. Is this the only way to get from Bratislava to Prague? I cannot seem to find any flights between the two. What about the train? In particular, if anyone has web site addresses for any of the bus/train/airline options, so that I can go online and find fares in advance of my trip, it'd be a big help. Thanks!
Bryan <email>
Maryland USA Fri 02/03/2006

To Teri re Spain & Portugal
I think you can visit Spain & Portugal in 19 days, but you will want to pick and choose where you go. Better to leave a few cities for another trip than to try to do it all and see too little.

I'd say, whatever you decide, spend a few days in Granada and a day in Sintra (easy trip from Lisbon).

Too bad you can't work open jaws to avoid a leg of your trip. Travel between the two countries is surprisingly long.

Have a great trip!
Adam
Boston, USA Fri 02/03/2006

single traveler
I am traveling alone to Europe for 10 days. I have been to Europe once before with a travel partner. I would like to visit one of the following: 1. Spain 2. Prague and Berlin 3. Vienna and Prague. What do you think is the safest and easiest for me as I am female. Any advice would be appreciated.
Joanna <email>
Seattle, WA USA Fri 02/03/2006

Packing a laptop
Anyone know how to pack a laptop, with their stuff?
carolyn <email>
columbus, ohio USA Fri 02/03/2006

Luggage storage in Assisi
Does anyone know if the the train station at Santa Maria degli Angeli has luggage storage? I will be traveling to Assisi from Florence with my small roll-aboard and will be continuing on to Rome after visiting the Basilica. I don't want to drag my luggage all over Assisi. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Cathe <email>
Auburn, AL USA Fri 02/03/2006

NC to Salzburg/Zurich to NC
Rebecca,

I agree with Conny that flying to Munich should be less than flying to Salzburg.

You can buy a Bayern Ticket at the DB machine in the Munich airport for €25 (for both of you). That will allow you to ride the S-bahn into Munich Hbf and take a regional train from there. Total time (2:45) is less than 1/2 hr more than an express train, which will cost €30 per person.

If you can't figure out the machine, you can buy the pass at the ticket counter for €27.

Also, there is a DB promotion called International Surf&Rail which offers Munich to Zurich on EuroCity trains for €29 pP. Tickets can only be purchased 3 months, max, in advance, online, with self-print.
<email>
USA Fri 02/03/2006

Amsterdam-Brugge Rental Car Decision
If you drop off at a place other than Schiphol, be sure to ask what the drop-off fee is, as well as how much the fee is for an extra driver per day. Also, picking up a car at Schiphol can entail paying a high pick-up fee for most rentals (as high as €70 - even the rental car agents at the airport discreetly advised us to pick up at the in-town locations on Overtoom Rd (National and Europcar, easy to get to and definitley cheaper - some of the cheapest cars around)
USA Fri 02/03/2006

Amsterdam-Brugge Rental Car Decision
We rented through Auto Europe in Ostende (near Brugge) and got a great, cheap car.
USA Fri 02/03/2006

Airline tickets to Europe
I found the web site www. Sidestep.com offered the cheapest airfare tickets to my destination, Munich. They were consistently lower than Expedia, Travelocity, etc. prices.
MLF
PA USA Fri 02/03/2006

Amsterdam-Brugge Rental Car Decision
Believe it, or not, it is CHEAPER for us to rent a car at Schipol and drive thru Holland to Brugge. The availability of cars at Brugge is limited to luxury cars, so the price more than doubled! Fortunately, we found a hotel in Brugge (Adornes Hotel) that provides free parking.

Thanks to all for your advice; time to call Hertz and rent the car at Schipol!
Mark Elliott <email>
Baltimore, MD USA Fri 02/03/2006

RE: Funicular from Lauterbrunnen
Lura: Yes, I've read some information that the funicular will be closing in June 2006 to be replaced by a gondola. Of course there is the "other" gondola from Stechelberg to Murren that is still operational. It's very easy to get to. Also, why don't you email one of the hotels in Murren with your question? I know that Chalet Fontana's email address is chaletfontana@muerren.ch and she is a most helpful and firendly person.
Tim
USA Fri 02/03/2006

Rome Hotel Information
Did you try www.tripadvisor.com?
Tim
USA Fri 02/03/2006

Reasonably priced hotels in Rome
We are going to be in Rome from May 4 through May 8 this year. Can anyone recommend reasonably-priced hotels (around $100 for a double room with private bath)? Most of the hotels we've seen in Rome have been much more expensive or hostel-style rooms. Does anyone have experience with the following three hotels?

Hotel Capri

Hotel Magic

Hotel Caput Mundi

I haven't been able to find much information on these online. Any help or tips much appreciated. Thanks!
Abhijeet Vijayakar <email>
Santa Clara, CA USA Thu 02/02/2006

Teri - re: Barcelona
Many years ago, on my first trip to Europe, I did a whirlwind trip around Spain and Portugal, hitting many/most of Rick's recommended spots, in (if I recall correctly), a little over 2 weeks (we were moving really fast, and in retrospect, it was pretty crazy). So of course it is possible to do all the spots he recommends, but those are full days.

Barcelona was (and still is) one of my favorite cities in the world, and was one of he highlights of that trip (brief though my time there was). I've been back a couple times since and enjoyed each. But something you might want to consider: Barcelona isn't all THAT far from some other places you might be going to some day: it's easy to add as a side-trip if you're going to be in southern France or northern Italy. On the other hand, most of the rest of Spain and Portugal is much more off the beaten path and harder to do as an add-on. So if you have to pick and choose, it might make sense to skip Barcelona on this trip, and add it to your next trip to a nearby part of Europe.

It's an incredibly cool city though, so if you do decide to cut it from this trip, that just gives you a good excuse to plan another trip to southern France or northern Italy (boo-hoo, what a tragedy that would be, eh?). Hope that helps.
DB
Seattle, WA USA Thu 02/02/2006

Brugge to Amsterdam
Rented a car in calais and drove to brugge and then on to amsterdam.Although it was very flatit was a beautiful trip through the country side.
Dwain <email>
Banff , Alberta Canada Thu 02/02/2006

Paris hotel question, RER safety from CDG airport Paris
Hi. Has anyone stayed at the Hotel Cluny Sorbonne or the Hotel de la Faculte near the Luxembourg RER stop? And has anyone had trouble with pickpockets on the RER from Charles de Gaulle? Rick's latest France book mentions that this has been a problem. I thought if we got on at the airport and stayed near the RER station at the other end so that we don't have to change trains, we will be less likely to have problems. I guess if it's too crowded and we can't get a seat easily, we can wait for the next train. The only time we've been robbed was in a crowd getting on the Metro. Not much taken but it was scary because one of the thieves grabbed my husband's leg.
Jinny <email>
St. Louis, MO USA Thu 02/02/2006

Spain and Portugal
My husband and I only have about 18 or 19 days and we originally hoped to visit both Spain & Portugal. We are very limited with frequent flyer travel dates and it is looking very difficult to fly into Barcelona (fly out of Lisbon). Has anyone followed Rick's 22 day itinerary round trip from Madrid to Portugal and back? We are trying to determine if that is our best bet time wise via a car and skipping a couple of sites due to limited time but will we miss out if we bypass Barcelona?
Teri <email>
Newport Bch, CA USA Thu 02/02/2006

For Rebecca
The World Cup will be played in Germany in June and July. Demand for plane tickets will be way up and high season prices are likely to only go higher as summer draws nearer. You should probably take the best deal you can find for plane tickets and book them now.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Thu 02/02/2006

To Rebecca
Have you looked at flying into Munich rather than Salzburg. It has been my experience that flying into Munich is cheaper. It would be very easy to take the train from Munich to Salzburg which takes less than 2 1/2 hours and costs about 25 Euros. You could also check flying into Vienna and then taking the train to Salzburg.
Conny <email>
Williamsburg, Va USA Thu 02/02/2006

how many nights prague and venice
I am in the process of planning two trips to Europe. My trip to europe this year will be much shorter than I was hoping for and will probably be on my own without my partner to Paris where I will be taking a course.

We are also planning on for next year, it may seem to be reallyf ar in advance but we have to start almost a year or more in advance based on our jobs.

So for next year we are thinking flying between London Prague venice

I was wondering how many nights would we need for Prague and for Venice. I was thinking 3 in Prague and 4 in Venice.....
bluedenim <email>
vancouver, bc canada Thu 02/02/2006

To Rebecca
I watched and watched flights to Europe for months last year and they never came down much below $1000 pp. Even with creative booking on different airlines it was that much...I've been watching again and it doesn't seem to get much better with time. We booked in early April last year for mid-June flights. It really is a gamble sometimes, so go with your gut (and then stop checking so you don't torture yourself about it!).
Amy
Oak Park, IL USA Thu 02/02/2006

flying NC to Salzburg; Zurich to NC
My husband and I are planning a trip to Europe for late June into early July. I've been looking at airline prices for several months now. The average price has been $1300 per person to fly open-jaw from North Carolina to Salzburg; Zurich back to NC. Today I found tickets for $988 per person. Should I jump on this price or wait to see if they come down anymore? Any ideas?
Rebecca
Wilkesboro, NC USA Thu 02/02/2006

Booking Flights
I paid $1450 each for SAS Seattle to Helsinki and Copenhagen to Seattle June 30 and July 26 after months of trying to get frequent flyer tickets on Northwest with NO luck. My date were not flexible so I bought at that price.
charlie
Seattle, WA USA Thu 02/02/2006

Amsterdam-Brugge (Train or Car)
If you are packing light, handling luggage on trains is not difficult. Just put your luggage in an overhead rack where you can keep a close eye on it. If you want extra security, use a cable bicycle lock to secure the luggage to the rack.

I enjoy relaxing on the train and I also like the freedom that a rental car gives when touring the open countryside. However, since I've never traveled between Amsterdam and Brugge, I'll leave the sightseeing comments to someone who has.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Thu 02/02/2006

Amsterdam to Brugges
I've driven that route - nothing spectacular but we enjoy local color more that anything. If you take the train, be sure to pick up a car before you begin in Normandy. You will really need it there.
nc USA Thu 02/02/2006

Funicular from Lauterbrunnen
I have heard mention of the replacement of the Lauterbrunnen to Muerren funicular, but have been unable to find definite information on the web. Both the Deutschebahn and the Swiss rail websites showed it as still running through July when I checked a few days ago. www.jungfraubahn does mention that it is going out of service on April 24, but doesn't say why or what is planned as an alternative. If anyone knows where I can find more information, I would appreciate a website or something (I can read German). Thanks!
Lura
Seattle, USA Thu 02/02/2006

Open Jaw Price
It is not two one ways (very expensive )but half of the round trip and half of the round trip
John Brangwin <email>
Bellevue, Wa USA Thu 02/02/2006

Scotland, Trains and Switzerland
A few things!

Switzerland - I believe the funicular from Lauterbrunnen on the way up to Murren is being replaced with a cable car this spring/summer, so the only way up to Murren will be via the Stechleberg cable car.

Trains I would check with the railway - in Switzerland you CAN check luggage for a small fee, so perhaps one can do this in Italy, especially if you are going first class.

Scotland I advise against a car, at least in/near the 'big' cities. Gas is EXPENSIVE, especially outside the big cities and the roads can be unpleasant in bad weather. Public transportation may take more time, but you can get just about everywhere via train, bus or postbus and there's no hassle about finding parking, gas, paying gas bills or narrow roads (or worse, one lane roads with pull-overs).

If the areas you will be in are out of the major cities, it might be worth renting a car for that part of the trip. If you are going to be in Edinburgh or Glasgow, I STRONGLY suggest you not rent a car for that part of the trip. Between expensive and short term parking meters, overzealous parking attedants, roadworks and one-way roads, it's much better to go by bus, taxi and train in the big cities.

Kate
USA Thu 02/02/2006

Booking Flights
I'm been scouting out flights for months for our vacation to Europe in July. I've never made reservations this early before, but I'm worried that the rates mught go up. Right now I've got rates from $4500 - 4800 for five of us, two of whom are children. Does that sound about right for traveling open jaw in high season?
MN USA Thu 02/02/2006

Mosel Wine Fests
We'll be there in July, so we're looking for a summer fest. I've looked on Rick Steve's site, but it only indicates that there are wine fests throughout the Mosel region on weekends during the month of July. I've only been able to Google info on the larger fest in August. Having lived int he area for a couple years, I know there's always a wine fest somewhere.
USA Thu 02/02/2006

Prague to Paris flights
Katie--if you go to Rick's "Favorite Links", to "Transportation & Maps", then to "Sky Scanner", you will find a flight on Smart Wings from Prague to Paris--although I couldn't find it from Paris to Prague. Best of luck! (I've never flown Smart Wings and don't know their reputation.)
Darcy
Lewiston, ID USA Thu 02/02/2006

flying to/from Paris and Prague
I'm thinking of going to Paris and Prague this summer and really don't want to take a long train ride. I believe Ryan Air and Easy Jet don't fly between these cities. Does anyone have a suggestion? Thanks!
Katie
Los Angeles, CA USA Thu 02/02/2006

Amsterdam to Brugges,
This June, I am debating whether or not to rent a car at Amsterdam (Schipol) and drive to Bruges (and then onto Normandy); versus taking a train from Amsterdam to Brugges, then pick up the rental car after spending a night there.

(Rest of trip: Ieper, Calais, Dunkirque, Normandy, Giverney, CDG)

It looks like a 3.5 hour train trip from Amsterdam to Brugges. Will we miss alot (other than 1-2 day's rental) by NOT driving? Is the train(s) easy to handle with luggage?

Any thoughts out there?

Thanks!
Mark Elliott <email>
Baltimore, MD USA Thu 02/02/2006

Frankfurt airport train stations
Iain,

there are two train stations at the Frankfurt airport. The Regionalbahnhof is underground directly in front of Terminal 1. You get to it by going down the stairs just inside the glass wall on the street side of the great hall of the terminal. It services the S-Bahns between Frankfurt and Mainz/Wiesbaden, and a few regional trains going into Frankfurt main station (Hauptbahnhof).

The Fernbahnhof is farther out. You get to it by going across a pedestrian bridge from the second level of the great hall. It services the "Fern" (distant) trains - the Intercity and Intercity express trains.
<email>
USA Wed 02/01/2006

LUGGAGE ON TRAINS
Mitch: You cant check luggage on trains; so you have to carry it on board with you.

I always put it in the overhead rack so I can watch it. Small bags can fit on the seat beside you.

Larger bags must be left in the vestibule at the end of the car. Try to sit so you can watch them.

Or go stand by them when the train stops at a station to prevent someone from taking them.

First class seats have more room between the seats for luggage storage on the floor at your feet.
duluth, mn USA Wed 02/01/2006

Frankfurt Airport
I wonder f anyone can help me. I am looking at the timetable for Mainz to Frankfurt Airport. The train timetable shows Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Regionalbf and Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fembf. Does anyone know if these are different stations at the same airport or two stations at different airports?
Iain <email>
Edmonton, AB Canada Wed 02/01/2006

Mosel wine fests
RS has some info on fests-go to "Best Destinations", click on "Germany" and it's the 3rd one down-"Festivals in Germany". You can also google or yahoo in the name of the villages you'll be near to look at their TI site, they usually have info there. Is this a summer or fall fest?
USA Wed 02/01/2006

re:B.B.C.
There is NO ferry from Copenhagen to Stockholm.
Helen
Portland, Oregon USA Wed 02/01/2006

Gena: re - Italy in March again
Well, just to clarify: I was saying I was pretty unimpressed with Capri specifically, and felt like it was a textbook example of a tourist trap (the "blue grotto" experience particularly). I would have to strongly disagree with the previous poster about the Amalfi Coast. Although it was certainly crowded (no argument), I thought it was a five-star attraction, not to be missed. It is, however, a complicated place in some respects - it's very popular, driving there is a non-starter (for me at least - and I drove around Sicily without any trouble), and stuff there is quite expensive (like in many popular, "chic" resorts in Italy). That said, IMHO the drive along the Amalfi coast is utterly spectacular and worth every bit of the hassles or adjustments you have to make to get there and see it - I considered it one of the highlights of our trip. And while I know some people find Sorento way too touristy, I loved the place (admittedly, it is full of tourists, and yes there are no shortage of souvenir shops). Obviously, tastes vary. Those are some of mine.
DB
Seattle, WA USA Wed 02/01/2006

Teatro alla Scala
Has anyone attended a performance at this theater? Are there a lot of stairs to go up the boxes (Zone 2-6)? Is there an elevator? Thanks!
Lisa
San Jose, CA USA Wed 02/01/2006

Gena - Italy in march
I'd so recommend staying away from the Amalfi coast. Like the other reader mentioned, it's a tourist trap. It's more like being in California than in Italy. Sorrento is especially bad...unless you LOVE cheesy tourist souveniers.

We did take the bus trip to Pompei and Vesuvio, and that was great...even though it was an organized bus trip.

Ravello was lovely, but 4 days seems like a lot of time for that small town. Ceramic shopping is great, there is a factory there and the prices are good.

Shoes....if you want really pointy shoes for $200, then go for it. I don't really think I'd buy shoes in italy unless I had lots of money and a good podiatrist !!!
USA Wed 02/01/2006

Benelux Rail Pass - Addendum
An added note...the Benelux rail pass isn't good on the Thalys train that runs from Paris to Amsterdam.
Norm
Ottawa, Canada Wed 02/01/2006

Greek Islands
we travelled to Myknonos, Paros, and Corfu in late Sept through the first two weeks of October.The islands do not close down, they become civil , and the ferries still run. We had lovely weather too. I recommend going Sept through Oct.
canada Wed 02/01/2006

Benelux Rail Pass
John....the Benelux pass is only good on the national railways...and on buses in Luxembourg. The railway systems are very inexpensive across that region, offering great deals, especially for return trips, since the whole system is more like a commuter rail system in its use. You may want to consider what Rick says about the Benelux pass...."Most visits to Belgium, Luxembourg, or the Netherlands don’t cover enough miles to justify a railpass. This region has plenty of money-saving local deals. For example, the Amsterdam station offers many same-day round-trip fares for only 25% over the regular one-way fare." Check out the Rail pass section of his website for some good idea as to one-way fares across the region, and compare your itinerary to that, versus the cost for a pass. The Strippen Ticket you mention, for bus and metro travel, is good on local buses across the Netherlands, not just in Amsterdam.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Wed 02/01/2006

HELSINKI TO ST PETERSBURG
Laurie: My wife and I took the Russian train to STPB last year. We can recommend it.

We had preferred the Finnish train, but it was sold out. Reserve seats in advance so you can take the Finnish train since it is preferred by past travelers.

I also recommend the ferry from Copenhagen to Stockholm and not the train. We took a room on it and enjoyed the cruise.

Take the hovercraft from Helsinki to Tallinn. It is faster and cheaper than the ferry.

We went on to Moscow and flew back to Tallinn; so I can comment on the train from STPB to Tallinn.
B.B.C.
WACO, TX USA Wed 02/01/2006

cell phones
We are going to be in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for 3 weeks in June. Does anyone know anything about purchasing cell phones to use for a short stay in Europe? Do they work well? Where does one obtain them?
Mary <email>
PA USA Wed 02/01/2006

Gena: re - Italy in March
We went down the length of Italy (started in Milan, finished in Sicily), in March/April a few years back. We got a few rainy days (mostly in the north, mostly towards the beginning of the trip), but nothing to get concerned over (well, we're from Seattle - maybe that colors our experience!). I'd just be sure to have a lightweight raincoat of some sort along, and any "sensible shoes" should be fine. Frankly, I can't imagine anything more useless in Italy than waterproof boots (unless you plan to wade across Piaza San Marco after a flood) - no way you could get me to lug heavy boots along (and I hate to get my feet wet). As for buying shoes while you're there...unless I'm mistaken, I believe Italy is one of the world's famous shoe-making nations. You should have plenty to choose from (although with the weak dollar, the prices might give you pause if you're shopping for something fancy); it also depends on how picky a shopper you are. But if you want to buys shoes there, I bet you'll find plenty.

As for Capri - personally, I thought the place was a seriously over-rated tourist trap. If that's your one day beyond Rome, I'd spend it elsewhere. If you have plenty of time, it's certainly pleasant enough, but no more so than a hundred less-famous (and less expensive, and less crowded) places with less hype. Personally, I'd skip Capri altogether in favor of another day along the Amalfi coast, but I'm sure others like the place better than I did.

I wouldn't bother with a swimsuit (although it's not much to pack and carry), unless you like swimming when it's not hot out, or are really itching to get in the water (on our trip, we did swim a couple times, but that was further south, in Sicily, at the end of the trip, in April; around Capri/Sorento/Amalfi, it was mostly sunny and pleasant, but more "spring"-like, not nearly swimming weather for me). Hope this helps.
DB
Seattle, WA USA Wed 02/01/2006

Agriturismo Near Florence/Firenze
Thanks to all who've posted and emailed me regarding the Cinque Terre....I realize my time there will be too short to really do it justice, but as several of you mentioned, it hopefully will just be my introductory trip, and I'll be back again.

Another question.....am thinking of staying 3 days in the vicinity of Florence with the idea of daytripping into Florence as well as other parts of Tuscany. I've been there previously, so don't have to do EVERYTHING again! Has anyone here stayed at an agriturismo or rustic hotel around Florence that they would either recommend or specifically NOT recommend? Am looking for a place that is rustic and peaceful, primarily.

3 things that would be very desirable are a good breakfast, an English speaking staff that could help with directions, recommendations, etc. and a place that makes access into Florence relatively simple. We will have a car, but I don't like to drive in Florence...did it several years ago and after 1500 miles in Italy, it was the only place I lost my cool.

So suggestions as to how to access Florence (drive close, then bus/walk/cab, bus, train, etc.) are most appreciated.
Beth <email>
Marco Island, FL USA Wed 02/01/2006

Gena
I have been to Rome and Pompeii in March. We didn't have any rain, but we may have just been lucky.

As far as a swimsuit, it was way too cool for swimming when we were there, even at Pompeii.
Doberry
MS, USA Wed 02/01/2006

Doug: Paris-Venice-Discount Airlines
Doug - I didn't scroll through all the old notes to see if anyone mentioned search engines for discount airlines in Europe. To be safe, I will. The best one is www.whichbudget.com. www.skyscanner.net is also good.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Wed 02/01/2006

Italy in March
I will be traveling to Rome mid March for 7 days then on to RAvello for 4 days. I have two questions. 1. How important will it be for me to have waterproof boots? I have a pair of Dansko I was planning on wearing but wonder how they will do in the rain. If we get there how easy would it be to buy boots or waterproof shoes? My husband would not be to happy if I dragged him all over the city looking for shoes. 2. We are planning a day trip to Capri. Should I bother bringing a swim suit and beach clothes for this time of year?
Gena
Oklahoma City, OK USA Wed 02/01/2006

paris-venice
I do appreciate all the reference to any airline. Even if they do not offer paris-venice because there might be other ideas or flights for future reference
Doug
USA Wed 02/01/2006

Benelux Rail Pass
If I have the Benelux rail pass, can I use it to ride the subway and trams in Amsterdam? I know that Amsterdam has a "Strippen card" for its local subway/tram system, but I can't tell from the website if a Railpass is also good on the local system.
John <email>
Dallas, TX USA Wed 02/01/2006

Switzerland/Chamonix honeymoon
Matt---what a perfect choice for a honeymoon. We did a very similar trip as a "late honeymoon" last summer (although we stayed in Muerren, not Interlaken).

For Chamonix, if you will be there a week, consider an apartment instead of a hotel. There are many available to choose from on this website: www.chamonix.net. Many of them are owned by British people, so communication is not a problem. The hiking there is incredible, and on most hikes you can add a lunch stop at a mountain restaurant to the views of Mont Blanc. The hikes we liked were the two Grand Balcon walks (Sud and Nord), Lac Blanc (the loop return past other lakes and a small stretch of ladders was the best part), and a loop above Les Houches, the next town down the valley. There are many more that we didn't do. You can get a good hiking map from the TI; we also had the topographic maps (1:25000) but did not use them. The trails are very well marked (and well-traveled). Another nice short hike is up to Chalet Floria, above the village of Les Praz, for lunch. Our chalet was actually in Les Praz, and we were glad---it was a pleasant 20-minute walk along the river to get to Chamonix for groceries, but it was nice and peaceful at our chalet. There is also a large sports complex in Chamonix, with a swimming pool and many tennis courts, open to the public for a small fee. If you like tennis, it's a chance to play on clay.

I'm assuming you've chosen Interlaken as your base so you have acccess to hikes from both Grindelwald and from the Lauterbrunnen valley. You could accomplish the same thing by spending half a week in Grindelwald and the other half in Lauterbrunnen; both have nicer views, and more charming places to stay, than Interlaken.(But no lakes.)

Recommended hikes from Grindelwald: from the top of the First gondola, the walk to the Faulhorn hut is famous for the views over the Blausee, and the hut has great food. From the same lift you can also go around to the right, along the "Marmot path", and then contour around to Grosse Schedig, and back down to town. Another good one is the Eiger trail, which runs along the base of the north face of the Eiger. If you want to take it downhill, start at Kleine Scheidigg (you'll have to ride the train up) and follow it down to an intermediate train stop for a ride back to Grindelwald, or you can walk the whole way (we did). This one combines well with an early morning visit to the Jungfraujoch. There's also a fun hike, for a fee, into a gorge; it starts right near town.

For hikes from Lauterbrunnen, ride the lift up to Gimmelwald or the funicular up to Muerren, and follow any of Rick's suggestions---he has several for this area. We especially like the Rotstockhutte hike. Another one from Lauterbrunnen would be to drive or catch the bus to Stechelberg, and continue up the valley on trails past several Berghotels to a lake (whose name escapes me just now).

It's worth investing in hiking guides for these areas---Cicerone, a British press, publishes both a Mont Blanc and a Berner Oberland hiking guide. There is also a Mountaineers book, "100 Best Hikes in the Alps", that covers both areas, if you can't find the Cicerone guides.

Have a great time!
Enzian
Seattle, WA USA Wed 02/01/2006

Greek Islands - time to travel & ferry or plane
I would recommend traveling to the Greek Islands in May or September. I hear they shut down after late September, so I'd rule out October. We went in early to mid September and the weather was wonderful. We flew from Athens to Santorini, Santorini to Mykonos, Mykonos to Athens. Our travel agent booked the Greek flights, transfers and hotels through a tour operator called Ya'lla (or Y'alla). It was all very easy on us, but we did pay for the convenience. I've also heard stories about the ferries being late. Have fun, it's so beautiful there!
Seattle, WA USA Wed 02/01/2006

Luggage on train
Mitch As in any circumstances, keep an eye on your bags, even on the train. Rick suggested wrapping a strap on the luggage rack. That way if someone tries to lift your bag, it will get caught.
USA Wed 02/01/2006

Luggage on Trains
You are responsible for your own luggage (no baggage check). Put your luggage in an overhead rack where you can keep a close eye on it. For extra security, bring a cable-style bicycle lock which you can attach to the rack.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Wed 02/01/2006

Helsinki to St. petersburg, Russia
Has anyone traveled from Helsinki to St. Petersburg? Is train travel recommended? Can you travel by train from St. Petersburg to Tallin, Estonia? Would appreciate any info regarding purchasing scanrail passes to include train from Copenhagen to Stockholm, ferry to Helsink, train to St. Petersburg and back to Tallin?

Would appreciate any info or help you can give! Thank you!
Laurie <email>
Minneapolis, MN USA Wed 02/01/2006

Night Train - Munich to Paris
I just wanted to take a moment to thank those of you who responded to my questions about the Munich night train. Since I got conflicting recommendations, I'm still not sure what to do, but I have some good web sites and a better understanding of the PREMS fares. Thank You!
<email>
USA Wed 02/01/2006

Luggage on trains?
My wife and I are going to Italy soon and will be going from Rome-Venice, Venice-Florence, and Florence-Rome by rail. We have never done this before and I was wondering about the logistics of our luggage. What do we do with our luggage on the train does it get checked on the train like on the airplane how much carry on can we take and how do we claim the bags? Is it safe? We will be trvaling 1st class. Thanks
Mitch <email>
Toms River, NJ USA Wed 02/01/2006

Travel to the Alps
My Wife and I are going on vacation/honeymoon to the Alps for 14 days and we wanted some suggestions for site seeing, places to eat, and stay. Our plan is to use Chamonix, France and Interlaken, Swizterland for home bases. We are renting a car and plan to do a lot of hiking. Can you help?
Matt <email>
Niskayuna, NY USA Wed 02/01/2006

Night Train Munich to Paris
Reno poster,

for a night train, particularly a popular route like this, waiting to buy tickets at the station is not a good idea. Many of our posters have found out the hard way that these train often sell out weeks, if not months, in advance. And, if you get a seat at all, you will pay the highest fare.

Get your tickets as soon as you can commit!
<email>
USA Wed 02/01/2006

Rome B&B
Under "Sleeping" on this Graffiti Wall is a category on B&Bs. Check there for reader-recommended B&Bs.
Swan
USA Wed 02/01/2006

Speaking Catalan
I will be in Barcelona for a few days and need to learn a little Catalan. Can anyone recommend a book, CD, website? Thanks.
CB <email>
WA USA Wed 02/01/2006

Northwest out of Detroit
I agree with Sue that Northwest flights originating in Detroit are almost routinely MORE expensive than longer flights passing through Detroit. Two cases in point are our flights to Europe the last two Septembers, where it was less expensive to fly from Lansing or Flint to Detroit and on to Europe, than to fly out of Detroit. Basically, Northwest owns Detroit, so fares are better from competitive airports -- even if the flights then go through Detroit.
Ron
DeWitt, MI USA Wed 02/01/2006

Cheap Flights Paris.Venice
Doug - for cheap flights in Europe try Europe by Air. Highly recommended.
Judy
Adelaide, USA Wed 02/01/2006

Pousadas of Portugal
Two questions for Roy Tucker (Southport, NC) or for anyone who might know this: Roy mentioned on "Discoveries and Tips" under Rick's Portugal book that the Pousadas de Portugal have special offers: 40% off for those 60 or older, and a 299 Euro "passport" for 4 nights in the Pousadas plus two 20% discount coupons for restaurants. My questions are, (1) how do you get such a passport? and (2) is every pousada 40% off for seniors? Thanks very much - Jan, Seattle, WA
Jan <email>
Seattle, WA USA Wed 02/01/2006