marazul

Macdooger4 - Hank is right about walking time from the Pisa station to the tower. It's 20-25 minute walk each way. You might not want to do that at night. Reconsider my suggestion of a private one-way transfer to Florence in the morning with a quick stop in Pisa. You can return to Livorno in the evening by train at your convenience.

Cinqueterre is in Italy. You are on the wrong board.

I meant the credit card fees, but also the ATM fee for what you say. Calculate what percentage that represents of your average withdrawal. It’s probably more than you get in interest. Then again, it's paying for your DH's salary. 😄 SECU and other CUs in NC don't charge any ATM fees.

It is a good idea to have a small cash account in another bank or CU that you can access with an ATM card for emergencies. WF charges the highest fees around. Use cards that don't charge foreign transaction fees. You don't need to find an actual bank. Just use a bank (not exchange company) ATM. They are all over the place in Europe. Just about every block. We prefer it if they are in the bank building, but it is not needed. And chill about pickpockets. Just be careful like in any place else. Use a crossbody purse with zippers. Your hubby should keep his wallet in a front pocket, never the bacpocket. And don't carry all your valuables with you.

Regardless of what you hear, do not skip seeing St Mark's square. You would be missing the heart of Venice. If you are there overnight, also go walk around it in the evening. If you want to, you can get tickets to both St Mark's basilica and the Doge's palace on their websites. Again, search this board, read a good guide book like the Insight Guides, look at youtube videos, etc.

Do check what WF charges for international transactions. If that doesn't bother you, use their ATM card. However, explore having a "travel" account elsewhere like a credit union (SECU, LCCU, Andrews FCU, etc.) Why? They might have lower or no fees for international transactions. Most importantly, if your WF cards get compromised or lost, you will have immediate access to money elsewhere. You should always have access to a couple of different financial institutions when you travel. In Europe, banks charge a very low fee on their ATMs. The big load comes from some US banks and exchange fees. Make sure you are using a bank ATM. Exchange companies can charge you a hefty fee or exchange rate. ATMs are more, or just as plentiful in Europe as they are in Charlotte. The reason for using one physically attached to a bank office is that if there are any problems, you can walk inside and get help. If asked, whenever you use an ATM, debit or credit card, always say you want to be charged in euros. If you say that you want to get charged in US$, the bank or merchant can charge you at their own made-up exorbitant exchange fee. If you get charged in euros, the conversion is made at the lowest inter-bank rate. And, no doubt, there will be a next trip.

The Athens Hilton is currently closed for renovations.

They do not, but your bank here might. Get a card from a bank or credit union that does not charge foreign ATM fees. It shouldn't take more than a week to get the euros. No harm getting them a month before. And make sure you bring back euros for your next trip. There will be a next trip.

You get a lousy exchange rate over here. If it makes you feel better, get some from your bank before you go. Not more than 200 euros. That's more than enough to get you to the hotel in an emergency. Then go to a bank ATM near your hotel. We prefer ATMs that are right at the bank.

Yup. Don't know if you can climb the Tower then, but it will certainly be illuminated and you can get really nice pictures.

Exchanging is not a great idea. Use your ATM card to withdraw euros from an ATM machine at the airport. Make sure that it is a bank ATM for best rates. Then use ATMs in town when you need more. There are lots of posts here on the subject.

That is nuts. Cinqueterre is five different towns. If you are going there, you should at least take the little ferry between 2 or 3 of the towns, enjoy walking around, enjoy the view from the sea. One hour in Cinqueterre would mean that you get out of the train in Riomaggiore, walk two blocks and turn around to catch the next train. You would not have seen Cinqueterre when you leave. If you are bound and determined to see the Tower, consider getting a private transfer to Florence with a first, quick stop in Pisa. Take your pictures and go on to Florence. Using public transit or a ship's excursion would eat too much time from your sightseeing in this case. Next day go to Cinqueterre. The more you want to pack in, the less you will see, and the more expensive it will be to get to all the places.

I just read that Roscioli is opening a restaurant in New York City. It will be modeled after the Salumeria and it will be in SoHo. Opening is planned for June. https://www.gamberorosso.it/notizie/notizie-ristoranti/roscioli-apre-a-new-york-e-la-prima-insegna-fuori-dallitalia/?utm_term=53039+-+Roscioli+apre+a+New+York%3A+è+la+prima+insegna+fuori+dall'Italia&utm_campaign=NL+GIORNALIERA+ITA&utm_medium=email&utm_source=MagNews&utm_content=6689+-+2903+(2023-01-11)

Another article about the house. BBC News - House of the Vettii: Pompeii home owned by former slaves reopens https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-64225813

Search this board. A number of hotels are mentioned in that area. And if you can, add one more night so you have one full day to enjoy Venice.

This is a really interesting house. It was owned by two former slaves who became very wealthy in the wine trade. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/newly-restored-house-pompeii-offers-glimpse-elite-life-rcna65067

Stay in Fiumicino, a lovely beach city 10 minutes from the airport. It has reasonable hotels and very good restaurants. Taxi to the airport.

Search this board for a lot of info on transfers to Ravenna. If at all possible, your son should fly into Venice a couple of days earlier and stay in the city, then transfer to Ravenna on the day of the cruise.

The Athens Gate is very good in a great location. Don't know the others.

Yes, flat seats are nice. We got a deal from the cruise line air. That's why I recommended checking with them often before you buy. Do you have a TA? And thanks, I am ok. Just the sniffles, but in "jail" for the next week. 😫

We had business class. It was a great flight. I am not sure what they allow now for points+$. There were recent changes to their program. You have to check the website. 50K miles plus no annual fee for the first year is pretty good. BTW - I am stuck in the house with a very mild case of covid rebound, so I am happy to answer any questions. (Bored out of my mind.)

This is neither cost nor time effective. That is $10 for the shuttle + $10 for the train, plus about one hour taking the shuttle, walking to the station and waiting for the train. Compare the cost to a direct shuttle to Florence or the price for Tuscany Bus. https://www.tuscanybus.com/en/

Let the car service tell you when to pick up. They know the driving conditions best. Just tell them at what time you need to be there.

Ooops. Didn't mean to post. Sorry.

I was on that direct flight from Charlotte to Rome last July. American also has direct flights from Charlotte to Barcelona at least in the summer. Ideally, you can get a "multi-city" ticket to fly direct to Barcelona and back from Rome. The Citi AAdvantage Platinum card usually has generous bonuses (30K or 50K miles) for signing up. If you get a good deal, you can use each card to buy each ticket. You don't have to buy both with the same card. You can also use miles+$. From time to time you can find sales on the AA website to buy miles with a bonus of extra miles for the same price.