architecture week
Friday, February 19th, 2010
Travel ideas for last week in January – Europe?
I’m looking for some ideas of a destination for around the last week in January, maybe 7-10 days. Somewhere inexpensive. Last year, I went to Paris and London; London was great but I *loved* Paris. I want to go again but would prefer to try some other places first. Good public transportation is important. Museums and great architecture are important too. Shopping and expensive restaurants not so much. Spending a few days in one city then moving to another is no problem. I’m really big on doing research into my destinations so any suggestions with specifics would be especially appreciated. Thanks!
Since the end of January is off-peak, you can find great deals in Europe, along with MUCH cheaper airfare.
I would tour Italy. The weather is better there than in the rest of Europe in the winter, they have great train service, and if you are interested in art and architecture, it will be more than you could ever see in just one trip.
You should fly into Rome, from which you can go to Pisa, Florence, and Venice on the train. You might consider getting a Eurail Pass; they have them for individual countries.
Italy has many self-serve restaurants where you can get a delicious and inexpensive meal. They are basically cafeterias, but smaller.
In 1990, the last trip I took to Florence, we stayed at the 2-star Hotel Santa Croce, which is 2 blocks from Santa Croce cathedral where Michelangelo’s tomb is. It was run by a family and had just 9 rooms. It was quite inexpensive, even in July when we were there. There are also pensiones, where all meals are included.
Have a great trip!