Travel Deals Europe

italy travel?

We are family with children want to go for holidays in Italy specially Rome, florence, venice and Milan. As we can speak English, not Italian, I don't know how I will go from city to city and sightseeing. Is it possible to do it without travel agency ? If not then suggest a few good ones, not too expensive.

Public Comments

1. i think next time you may want to ask this question in the italy travel section rather then in Thai travel you may get better results.
2. It is certainly possible to go without a travel agency, the Internet is full of information. The easiest way to get from city to city is by train. Check out: http://www.italiarail.com/tickets/IR/IR.asp?AFF=TRE (Italia Rail) or http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html (Tren Italia) for information and tickets. You can also look into getting a Eurail Pass (or Eurail Italy Pass), check out: http://www.eurail.com/ You probably want to go from Rome, to Florence, to Venice, to Milan. Fly into Rome and out of Milan if possible. If you want to drive, check out the major U.S. car rental agencies, or Travelocity/Expedia. I would not recommend driving, especially in the cities. If you want to do tours of the cities, or surrounding area, you can pre-book on GrayLine, or other travel companies. See: http://www.grayline.com/Grayline/index.aspx I am not a big fan of organized tours, myself, but they are great for some people. Check out travel guides to the cities you wish to visit at Barnes & Noble or Borders, and see which guides have the best information -- depending on what it is you are looking to do. These cities are all pretty walkable, so with a decent map, you can find your own way around if you want. Another option is to book a package tour where they take care of flights, hotels, train, etc. for you and you can buy tours, and the like. Check out: http://www.virgin-vacations.com/site_vv/index.asp (Virgin Vacations) or http://www.go-today.com/site_gtweb/index.asp (Go Today) for packages. I've been on both, although I like Virgin Vacations a little better. These and a number of other sites have approximately the same packages and costs. This can be a much less expensive option, but make sure you check out the hotels in advance, go to: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ and select Read/Write Reviews and enter the name of the hotel and city. Beware that European hotel rooms tend to be smaller than those in the U.S. and often have less ameneties. Think Motel 8. Make sure you have an ensuite bathroom, and are not sharing one with the whole floor. I spent 6 weeks in Rome, with trips to Naples, Florence, Siena, Venice, and Pisa and did all of the planning and reservations myself, much of it while in Italy. I had a great time and saw pretty much everything I wanted to see. I only spoke a little Italian, but I got by OK. Check out my journal and pictures if you like: http://www.eisinger.net/travel/europe02.html I am going back this fall with my wife on a package from Virgin Vacations to Rome, Florence, and Venice. I would recommend learning at least a little Italian -- please, thank you, hello, goodbye, good morning, good night, good day, and numbers. They will make things a lot easier and people warm to you more if you at least make an effort to speak their language.
3. Most places in Italy the people speak English. But don't assume it because they think it's arrogant of you to assume they do speak English. Ask politely if they speak English and than ask your question. As far as traveling goes don't bother with travel agents I have been there and you can always find a place to stay and things to do. Definitely use the train as you mode of transportation and most cities can be done on foot including Rome. I recommend visiting Cinque Terre in the north near the border of France. 5 little towns on a hillside on the Mediterranean, you won't be disappointed.
4. You post it in a wrong category sir.