|
|
Post by jessrees04 on Dec 5, 2006 0:21:25 GMT -5
Hey guys- I'm going to be studying in Siena, Italy for three months this spring, and then want to take a couple weeks to backpack around Europe. I've never done this before, and was wondering if anyone had any advice about "must sees." I love architecture and art, and definitely would like to hit places that arn't too "touristy," but really reflect the culture. I'm also not sure how long to stay: budget is definitely an issue, being a student, but I don't want to short myself. I definitely want to hit Greece, but other than that, what were everyone's favorite places and why? Thanks so much!!
jess
|
|
|
|
Post by herrbert on Dec 5, 2006 5:02:07 GMT -5
Hello and Welcome Jess, If you like architecture and arts, you picked the right place to spend 3 months, you can do a lot of daytrips in the weekends and bankholidays. As a lot is right in front of your nose (Florence, Roma, Cinque Terra, Assisi ...) you might want to spend some time there during you study. But on the other hand Rome needs a lot of days to see, so it might be a good starting point, to start your trip. You can take flights to a lot of places, with cheap companies, like Easyjet and/or Ryanair. The cheapest connection to Greece from Italy, is an Easyjetflight Milan - Athens. (from Siena, it would be almost a 5 hour trip to Milan by train). you could hit Venice for 1 or 2 days, and then make the trip to Milan (3 hours), to catch that flight. If you like to see the things that are not too touristy, you have to accept, that there usualy isn't a lot to see in Arts and Architecture, because if there was something to see ... it would be touristy. But maybe it is a good idea to hit some big cities (for the arts and architecture), and some smaller cities, or even small towns for a more quiet (and less touristy) visit. My favourits for arts/architecture (at this moment): London (expensive, but so worth it. Lot of museums you can enter for free), Vienna (the Arts-capitol of Europe around 1900, and you can still see a lot of that) Madrid (daytrips to Toledo and Segovia, may give you the less touristy feel) Barcelona (for Architecture, the Familia Sagrada is not to be missed). Helsinki (modern architecture/design by Alvar Aalto/expensive, but different, and not really a big city) Maybe this topic, would help you a little bit: pretravel.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=nontravel&action=display&n=1&thread=5716 |
|
|
|
Post by pointofnoreturn on Dec 5, 2006 10:42:46 GMT -5
You could hit the Greek Islands for 1-2 weeks, depending on your schedule. A stay in Athens requires only 2-3 nights since most of the city is pretty much compact. Santorini is a definite must-see and there's so many islands to choose from: Paros, Naxos, Ios, Mykonos, etc Check out these Greek-related sites created by a tourist: Athens, Greece: www.athensguide.comGreece itself: www.greecetravel.com <--- includes the Greek Islands I think it'd be great to spend the entire 3 months in Italy-Greece, which will give you an extensive tour and in-depth experience of these two countries. Rome, Florence, Milan (okay, not so much here except for the Last Supper painting and Duomo, but you could go here for 1 night and take a flight out the next morning to Athens), Siena, Cinque Terre, Naples, etc Definitely buy a guidebook for both Italy and Greece. You could find out if there's any other places not mentioned that is worth visiting! |
|
|
|
Post by madamtrashheap on Dec 11, 2006 2:03:12 GMT -5
Studying in Sienna, you're really going to enjoy it jess!
You can do so many day or overnight trips from Siena that you'll cover a lot of Tuscany and Umbria easily. speak to the locals in Siena as there are always different festivals on int he region that are worth travelling to and that aren't always listed in guidebooks. Anther gem to add is Civita di Bagnoreggio (Eagle was recently there so will have more update info than me - it's been a little while). Also look at places like Sardinia, Pisa (just a day for gelato and photos will be plenty!), San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Orvieto, Urbino, Sorrento/Positano, Bologna, Modena, Rimini, Ravenna and Lake Como for day trips or weekends (depending on distance/time) while you're studying and make the most of your time in Italy. Don't forget, August is when all Italians take their holidays (to make the most of Summer - tourists just have to fit in to it!), so beaches will be busy then and cities will be void of locals. I'd suggest some time in Sicily too, but it needs a good 5 days (minimu) to explore and appreciate, so not sure if that suits you.
As for other places around Europe - where to start?!! PONR's advice to spend time in just 2 countries is worth considering, however it's up to you as to what exactly interests you. Your art and architecture will be well catered for in Greece (!), but Herrbert's list is also a good start. Perhaps come up with places that you've heard of/studied and really want to see, then we can map out a possible itinerary from there. Once you've identified cities, the route will fall into place. Don't try to cram too much into the backpacking period as travel time needs to be taken into consideration.
Buona progettazione! ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by gelgameck on Feb 11, 2007 6:25:28 GMT -5
Hey Jess! I'm so happy to hear Greece is a must for you! Hehe. I feel proud.  OK, do you know exactly what month you'll be visiting Greece? I want to recommed an island or two for you to visit, but the truth is going to the islands in, say, late May is a different experience than going there eraly April, for instance. So, yeah. Also, if you are visiting Athens (which I don't see why you wouldn't  make sure to spend a maximum of 3 days in the city, and then allow more days to take trips to nearby attractions, like Sounion or Delfi. They are definitely worth it. I could offer you more adivce on where to go in Athens, as I... live here. Let me know if I can be of more help! Enjoy your trip! Gelgameck Gelgameck@hotmail.com |
|
OK, do you know exactly what month you'll be visiting Greece? I want to recommed an island or two for you to visit, but the truth is going to the islands in, say, late May is a different experience than going there eraly April, for instance. So, yeah.
make sure to spend a maximum of 3 days in the city, and then allow more days to take trips to nearby attractions, like Sounion or Delfi. They are definitely worth it.