Hey Spagman.....

[ptw]

I am travelling to Europe next week and have decided to bring the family. I am going to take a few days off and wondered if you could give some advice.....

I will be in Vienna (which I have seen already) as that is where the flight goes from....I am looking at hiring a car and tootling around a bit. We like more rural rather than city, also love food and a good wine. The odd museum or gallery wouldn't go astray but not if it means lining up for hours.

I have 2 kids (3.5 and 9 months).

I am thinking....

1. Tuscany....but I am concerned about the price and loads of Americans (sorry American friends). I also get the feeling it is quite touristy and that there must be other places which are just as good but without the big rep.

2. Adriatic Coast of Croatia....sort of winding down from Slovenia to Split or Dbrovnic (sp ?)

3. Hungary

I need to end up in Slovenia at the end so trying to stay Austria, Northern Italy, Hungary way so we don't spend ages just travelling from A to B.

Thinking also about renting a place in the country for a week or so and using it as a base (again the old "villa in Tuscany" but USD2500 p.w. is a bit out of reach).

Any hidden secrets ? Any ideas ?

oh....anyone else who knows a bit about this part of the world is also welcome to contribute.


thanks ! (in advance)


ptw

 

[Chicago1]

Originally posted by ptw

I am thinking....
1. Tuscany....but I am concerned about the price and loads of Americans (sorry American friends).

LOL

I know how you feel. I once went to Bali and there were masses of Aussies there!

 

[sbagman]

Hello ptw,

First of all, you are an utter utter bastard.

Of the places you mentioned, I've only been to Vienna and Tuscany. I reckon Budapest would kick arse (as long as you're not vegetarian), as would the Croatian coast.

In terms of Italy, it depends what you're after. If you're into art and architecture, its pretty tough to beat Florence, so sadly you'd just have to put up with a bunch of ******** Americans walking around and whining nasally "Florence, Montana is SOOO much bigger!". Tossers. But enough of that. Back to the story. The region of Umbria offers much, but is still quite touristy and quite expensive (though not as much as Tuscany). Highlights would be Perugia (famous for many things, among them Sbagman having lived there), Assisi (as in St Francis of, with a magnificent frescoed basilica), Orvieto (the duomo has to be seen to be believed) and many other charming little hill-towns, including Spoleto, Todi, etc. In my mind, Umbria is more charming than Tuscany but not as artistically rich. And remember, Florence is only 2.5 hours away on the train from Perugia.

For more authentic Italian experiences, and cheaper too, head south of Rome. Campania, with the magnificent city of Napoli as its capital, is worth several days investigation. Ignore the naysayers, Napoli has been seriously cleaned up, has wonderful food and friendly people. The Amalfi coast will take your breath away, and there are many towns along the coast worth a poke about in. Sicily is beautiful too, although I've only seen the area around Palermo, so I can't recommend it as highly as Campania. The disadvantages of these southern places are that less English is spoken by the locals, and in the bigger cities security may be a concern (although I have never had any problem anywhere in Italy).

Depends what you want basically. For art, architecture, and charming hill-towns, I would recommend basing yourself in Umbria and make day-trips into Tuscany. For food, culture, and a big, vibrant city (Napoli), head to Campania.

If you need any more help, feel free to ask.

In envy,
Sbagman.

 

[Visro]

Geneva in Switzerland.....might be a few yanks there though!!

 

[sbagman]

Switzerland, pffft.

 

[Blues_Brat]

Budapest does kickarse.. went there in 95, love to go back and see how much it has changed.

I am a vegetarian, just didn't eat a lot while I was there.

 

[Chicago1]

Originally posted by Visro
Geneva in Switzerland.....might be a few yanks there though!!

No. Most likely a bunch of former Nazis who never made it to Adelaide!

 

[QT]

Originally posted by Chicago1


No. Most likely a bunch of former Nazis who never made it to Adelaide!

Ya just crying coz ya Cubs got flogged (geez what a surprise!!)

 

[Chicago1]

Originally posted by QT




Ya just crying coz ya Cubs got flogged (geez what a surprise!!)

That's hittin' below the belt, QT!

 

[QT]

Originally posted by Chicago1


That's hittin' below the belt, QT!

Only stating the obvious chicago1

Get ready for a huge season by our mighty bulls in 2001/02, forget bout those cubs, they are hacks, just like your bulldogs

 

[Chicago1]

Originally posted by QT


Only stating the obvious chicago1

Get ready for a huge season by our mighty bulls in 2001/02, forget bout those cubs, they are hacks, just like your bulldogs

Don't think the Bulls will go anywhere. The Cubs are like WE , the Bulldogs, were in '97 - everyone's favourite until some **** team from Churchville ruined it for us! The difference is that the Cubs won't have the umpires making a critical WRONG decision like Libba's "point" which was really a goal!

 

[QT]

Originally posted by Chicago1


Don't think the Bulls will go anywhere. The Cubs are like WE , the Bulldogs, were in '97 - everyone's favourite until some **** team from Churchville ruined it for us! The difference is that the Cubs won't have the umpires making a critical WRONG decision like Libba's "point" which was really a goal!

Excuses Excuses!

What happened in 98 then???

 

[Chicago1]

Originally posted by QT


Excuses Excuses!

What happened in 98 then???

Now THAT one you earned! Gotta get to sleep. Talk to ya later, QT!

 

[Smokin]

Originally posted by ptw
I am travelling to Europe next week and have decided to bring the family. I am going to take a few days off and wondered if you could give some advice.....

I will be in Vienna (which I have seen already) as that is where the flight goes from....I am looking at hiring a car and tootling around a bit. We like more rural rather than city, also love food and a good wine. The odd museum or gallery wouldn't go astray but not if it means lining up for hours.

I have 2 kids (3.5 and 9 months).

I am thinking....

1. Tuscany....but I am concerned about the price and loads of Americans (sorry American friends). I also get the feeling it is quite touristy and that there must be other places which are just as good but without the big rep.

2. Adriatic Coast of Croatia....sort of winding down from Slovenia to Split or Dbrovnic (sp ?)

3. Hungary

I need to end up in Slovenia at the end so trying to stay Austria, Northern Italy, Hungary way so we don't spend ages just travelling from A to B.

Thinking also about renting a place in the country for a week or so and using it as a base (again the old "villa in Tuscany" but USD2500 p.w. is a bit out of reach).

Any hidden secrets ? Any ideas ?

oh....anyone else who knows a bit about this part of the world is also welcome to contribute.


thanks ! (in advance)


ptw

You gotta go right up north in Italy to see true class and perfection - Calabria!