leave for ED Mon Aug 8-need recommendations

I'm traveling with my 13-year old son next Monday August 8 to pickup my car in Munich and spending about a week, mostly traveling in Italy. I tried unsuccessfully to get my parents to buy a BMW 2002 when I was 13 but they took my brother and me to Europe and it was a great experience. When I ordered the 2006 330i I included my son in the process, remembering what it was like when I was his age and interested in cars.

I see this as a driving trip with a day and a half in Venice and a couple of days in an around Florence. I've looked through the threads on the forum, which have been very helpful. As a result, I think I have figured out places to stay in Munich, Venice (Mestre), and Florence (Fiesole). My itinerary is below and I would especially welcome recommendations for hotels in a few places.

1. Tues. Aug 9 Munich (arrive 6pm and go to hotel)

2. Weds. Aug 10 take subway to ED center and pick up car. Debating whether it is too far to drive to Venice that evening for a stay in Mestre. ViaMichelin says this is about 5.5 hrs.

3. Thurs. Aug 11 Venice

4. Fri. Aug 12 Florence

5. Sat. Aug 13 Florence

6. Sun Aug 14 Florence (day trip to Sienna)

7. Mon Aug 15 near Genoa or Como [Q. Anyone recommend a nice but inexpensive hotel in or around these locations with good parking and a decent shower?]

8. Tues Aug 16 Luzern [Q. Anyone recommend a nice but inexpensive hotel in or around these locations with good parking and a decent shower?]

9. Weds Aug 17 Munich (drop off car)

10. Flight departs Munich in morning

Other questions:

--where do I get the safety vest for Austria?
--where do I pay the tax/fee to drive in Austria and Switzerland?
--where do I get the car washed before dropping off in Munich?

Any other advice appreciated.

Thanks!

Reply » leave for ED Mon Aug 8-need recommendations

Quote:

Other questions:

--where do I get the safety vest for Austria?
--where do I pay the tax/fee to drive in Austria and Switzerland?
--where do I get the car washed before dropping off in Munich?

Any other advice appreciated.

Thanks!

Safety Vest - Gas station
Toll - Gas station near border
Car Wash - Gas station with touch-less wash

Also, driving times on the Autobahns are significantly shorter than taking the side roads. The side roads, OTOH, are a lot of fun to drive and you get a wonderful taste of the countryside. I personally enjoy both, so mixing it up between the two would be my suggestion.

Good luck!

Reply » leave for ED Mon Aug 8-need recommendations

Try to get into the ED center by 8 am. If you get out of there by 9, you should be good to go to Venice. Have a fun trip!

Reply » leave for ED Mon Aug 8-need recommendations

Quote:

In 2002 you were 13 and in 2005 you have a 13 year old son? WOW.

Reply » leave for ED Mon Aug 8-need recommendations

Quote:

In 2002 you were 13 and in 2005 you have a 13 year old son? WOW.

uhhhhh.... you are aware that the 2002 was a bmw model, right?

Reply » leave for ED Mon Aug 8-need recommendations

I am planning on visiting Venice as well and currently have a reservation at the Delfino Hotel in Mestre. But I was concerned about arriving there late in the afternoon and being too tired to do the extra traveling in to Venice city center, and then back to hotel and the end of the day (basically adds 20 minutes each way - and when you're tired at the end of a long day of sightseeing that can be a long time!). Plus I wanted to be more immersed in Venice itself, and not the suburbs. I've about decided to bite the bullet, pay to park at one of the garages and stay more in the center of activity. Of course, it means I'll have to take a leap of faith and leave my new bimmer baby for 48 hours...

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