RobertWood

For 21 days in May, I will be traveling on a quasi business trip in Italy and France. Formal business will require only three days; one each for Rome, Bologna, and Modena (this heavy work schedule is bound to produce some chuckles!). The beginning and end cities, Rome and Paris, have been dictated by my international air carrier’s flight availability.<BR><BR>Rome – 4 days<BR>Milano – 4 days. Short daylong side trips to Bologna and Modena by train.<BR>Lake Como – 3 days<BR>Bordeaux – 4 days<BR>Paris – 5 days<BR><BR>I think it would be fun to try out the train system with a Eurail Pass. The only part that looks a bit rough is the Lake Como to Bordeaux leg. If possible, I would like to take high-speed trains and travel only during daylight hours so that I can enjoy the scenery.<BR><BR>Rome to Milan, and Milan to Lake Como all look fairly easy by train. Do you think that the long stretch from Lake Como to Bordeaux might be best broken into two days, with an over-night perhaps in the Avignon/Marseille area? Or is attempting to cover so much territory in a short time unwise?<BR><BR>Any comments, tips, and/or recommendations whatsoever would be greatly appreciated.<BR><BR>Thanks very much.<BR><BR>Robert<BR>

LJ

Haven't done this trip in many years but I did once go by train using Eurailpass on the route you are investigating. As I recall, we did one if not two overnighters (wagon-lit)and it was great fun. We were two young women travelling together and forewarned that all we need bring was some decent wine and the means to open it. The food and companionship and &quot;guards&quot; to watch over our cabin (meant for 4, occupied by 2)was all supplied by the conductors on the trains.<BR><BR>Your situation is quite different, of course, but the theory is the same. Yes, you can break the trip, but leaving yourself open to the adventure of the atmosphere that is only available on a train in the middle of the night is still worth it, IMO. Have a wonderful working-vacation and thanks for the memories!

RobertWood

LJ - &gt;&gt; leaving yourself open to the adventure of the atmosphere that is only available on a train in the middle of the night is still worth it, IMO&lt;&lt;<BR><BR>BIG Smile!<BR><BR>I have a few of those years under my belt as well. Life, times, and responsibilities have kept me away from europe, with the exception of quick one day fly in and outs, for thirty years.<BR><BR>Frommer’s $10 guide, a large red kelty backpack, and wide-open eyes enjoyed so much warmth and hospitality. Just now looking at the map, I recall besting mr. frommer with an extraordinary three winter months based on the greek island of idra for $7 a day. Crystal blue aegean sea, luxurious ferry rides to the surrounding isles, plenty of food and drink, and a fine guest house. Yup, thanks for the memories!<BR><BR>Robert<BR>

Brutforce

Unless you're a shopper there is little reason to go to Milano. I would fill in w/Florence instead &amp; add on days a few other places.

bobthenavigator

Robert, I have 2 comments. I agree that Milan is not your best base for your trips to Bologna &amp; Modena--Florence is a much better answer. Also, I am not sure why you want to hit Bordeaux after Como when the Alps are right next door and enroute to Paris. I would subsitute either Luzern or the Berner Oberland, or even Annecy in preference to Bordeaux

sharonkaye

We were in Modena for a day last June, I wonder are you in the car business? We HAD to sidetrack from Florence to go to the Ferrari museum my 18 year old son is CRAZY for Ferraris. Unfortunately we don't own 2 so we couldn't get into the factory. Have a great trip.

ira

Hi<BR> I'll chime in with substituting Florence for Milan.<BR><BR> I also suggest Venice instead of Bordeaux.<BR><BR> See www.railsaver.com to see if a railpass is cheaper than point-to-point tickets.

RobertWood

Hi. Reconnoiter, reconsider, and revise.<BR><BR>- Bob, BrutForce, and Ira; I very much appreciate your observations about Milano. It is a bit of an unusual choice given the beauty of Florence and its proximity to Bologna &amp; Modena. Many, many years ago I�ve hung-out in Florence and found it to be really great. However, here is the scoop. An old flame is living in Milano and working for a fashion house. So love conquers inconvenience. And beauty, well you know . . .<BR><BR>- Bob, and Ira; Bordeaux was totally a whimsical thought. I love the wine and thought it would be interesting to see the region. Following your advice and checking on train schedules recommended by Jon in my Lake Como post, I see that the train travel time between Como and Bordeaux is going to be a little rough. So I will save Bordeaux for another trip.<BR><BR>Now for some new planning. With 5 days to get from Lake Como to Paris, what would you folks do? Bob has suggested Luzerne and the Alps. Good idea, I have been in Switzerland a few times and would be happy to visit again. Any other ideas? One thought I�ve had is Provence. I have not seen that part of Europe, but it might bit more train time to get to Paris.<BR><BR>In any case, you folks are so well versed in the area that it will be intriguing to field your recommendations for 5 free days in europe.<BR><BR>- Sharon; You are very close; it is all about motorcycles! Sorry about the Ferrari factory last summer. If the opportunity ever presents itself again, perhaps your son could write a personal letter to Ferrari and express his passion and desires. Motor companies thrive on and pay attention to �hopelessly hooked� 18 year olds.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR><BR>Robert<BR>

Brutforce

Switzerland certainly deserves consideration &amp; you could probably fit in Alsace &amp; perhaps Champagne en route if my geography serves me. Perhaps a stop in Reims or even Strasbourg ? Just a few thoughts.

Michael

For a wine area, I would suggest Lyon to Dijon (Burgundy). Lyon is also known for its food.

Harold

I agree that Bordeaux is not a tourist destination, but the areas to the east are lovely. You'll need to rent a car and drive to - say Bergerac in the Dordogne which you could make the center of your four or five days in the area. Then you can do day tours into the area and south into Acquitaine. You'll see lovely old hill side fortifications and walled villages. It is well worth a few days. We once rented a modernized farm house owned by a Swedish couple cicu. 1300 for less than $ 1,000 for a week that slept six. You won't find many (any?) Americans here, but in summer lots of Brits and Swedes. For some reason I don't understand, it is not often mentioned in guide books. There is noo industry around and the country side is beautiful.

Harold

Also see StCirg reply to posting &quot;Dordogne or Provence late September&quot;

RobertWood

Thanks you guys!<BR><BR>It will be Burgundy this time around. I very much wanted to divide my time between Italy and France; while maintaining a fairly open/relaxed schedule. And gosh, those wines are not too shabby.<BR><BR>Howard, the draw of Bordeaux is irresistible. Coincidently I may swing back to Europe in the fall. A good solid week or two in the region sounds like a really great time.<BR><BR>Thanks again to everyone for the sage advice. Much appreciated!<BR><BR>Robert<BR>

Angelika

Another vote for skipping a couple of the days in Milan and visiting Florence, or even southern Switzerland (Locarno or Lugano)