BudgetTravel

A few questions:
- What is the best way to travel around (train, bus?)
- Should we purchase those tickets ahead of time, or are we okay to do so the day of travel (or a day or so before)?
- We would like to visit Pisa on the way from Siena to Vernazza (and will be traveling by train, most likely). Is this an easy or convenient stop-off and can we store our luggage at the train station? How far is it then to the Leaning Tower from the train station?
- What are the best day trips from Siena (we're there for only a couple of days) and is it easy to get around by bus (we aren't planning to rent a car - unless you recommend it!).

Thank you! Grazie!
Rebecca

Christopher Winner: Prego, Rebecca: Quick answers:
1. Train
2. You're fine purchasing the tickets at the station. Italy's not yet in the e-ticket era. You can check schedules at TrenItalia's website.
3. Leaning tower is 20 minutes from the station. There are no longer lockers, for security reasons.
4. Siena is worth a day alone, at least. There is Pienza, Montepulciano...the list goes on. But bus service is mediocre, so without a car it'll be very hard.

I can't stress enough, and I notice this in other messages: People are planning ambitious outings. Think smaller and you'll enjoy far more. Prowling Siena quietly is a fine idea, rather than feeling compelled to go to smaller nearby towns, which are in essence carbon copies of Siena but a bit more quaint.

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cazenovia,ny: Would like to rent an apartment in Rome for 7-10 days in March 2008. Have heard that the area near Colosseum is quiet and affordable. Agenda is restful, visiting a few sites--Vatican City, Forum and a few others. We like to walk and would have lunches out during the day. We have limited international travel experience, strictly tours. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Bill

Christopher Winner: Bill, have a look at these two sites. And there are more like them: Really Rome and Dreaming Rome

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Springfield, IL: We want to plan a trip to Tuscany for our 30th wedding anniversary in the next four years. We want to see the scenery, taste the food, perhaps sample a few wines. What do you suggest that will be affordable yet not physically exhausting as well as my husband has some health issues? Thanks, Lori

Christopher Winner: Lori, Pick a town such as Siena and go from there. Fly to Rome, train or car to Siena, and see Tuscany from this mid-size home base. Florence is more daunting. Spending a week, say, in Siena would allow you to make day trips.

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Mantoloking, NJ: Where in Tuscany would you recommend for a two week stay in a villa? I am planning a family reunion for 6 adults and 4 children (ages between 7-13) for July 2008. We are also planning a 3 night stay in Rome on the front end and a 3 night stay in Venice on the back end of the two weeks. Will we need air conditioning in Tuscany in July? We plan to leave from EWR.