Logistics
Logistics
I had to burn some frequent flier miles, so my mother and I used 55K miles each to fly United Airlines from Dulles/DC to Rome. Spent 4 days there then rented a car and drove to Florence. 2 days there, then drove to Venice/Mestre and spent another 2 days. Was going to stay in Pisa for 2 days; however, upon arrival noted both the town and our hotel not worth the trouble- so 1 hour and 1 roll of film later we headed back to Florence for 2 more days before heading back to Rome to fly out. Flew to Paris and stayed there for 4 days then flew back to DC.
There is a really good Leica dealer in Venice/Mestre (PhotoMarket Video, Giancarlo Negri, Via Giustizia 49, 30172 Venezia Mestre (VE))- reloaded up on film there and the prices are no that far off from Washington DC (about $5USD per roll for Tri-X). I had originally only packed 8 rolls, that went quick.
Renting a car? Get the GPS. And you'll need and intl drivers licence (about $50 from AAA). The car and GPS were about $80 a day. If your staying "in town" though the public trains are excellent.
And Id suggest Paris then Italy- the opposite of what I did. After Italy, even the best Paris had to offer was, well, ok.
My hotels were excellent. Rome, La Residenza. Florence 1st was at the Hotel Albergotto then the 2nd time was the Villa Carlotta (Alber is in town- Carlotta is quieter and cheaper and about a 20 minute walk, I preferred the Carlotta). Venice- the Best Western in Mestre and easily the best deal we had, right next to the Venice Train and $100 USD per night- a smokin deal. Paris had us at the Hotel Lord Byron- right next to the Arche de Triumphe and the George 5th Metro stop. Pisa is not worth anything longer than an hour of your time. All hotels booked on Travelocity and were Frommers recommended.
Everyone we dealt with was great. Eating out is pricy, my mother and I packed an entire suitcase full of food- but all the Italy hotels had a free breakfast (score!). Was a good time- Florence Italy, Ill be back....
