ED route ideas, advice (many questions)....?

OK, so I am addicted to ED. I had a great ED last spring on a 545, and I am going back at the end of March/early April for a 6 convertible.

I would appreciate any suggestions or advice on routing. I have about two weeks, and I am considering a circle; starting south from Munich towards northeastern Italy, through central Italy, then west through Provence, up north through France, then a few days in Paris, then east, through Strasbourg, then maybe to Prague and/ or back to Munich. (I am also open to forgetting Paris completely since it does take me out of the way considerably). Depending on how I end up flying, I could also possibly drop off in Frankfurt instead of Munich (I had a bad experience dropping in Paris, and I don't want to repeat).

(As an alternative, I am also considering a more in-depth Eastern Europe trip; Czeck Republic, Slovenia, Poland ( I hear Krakow is cool). Any thoughts?)

Please note the following issues and questions:
- I am single, 40, and I may be traveling alone or with someone for part of the trip.
- I am usually content to spend just one or two nights in a place. I can get impatient easily, and I generally do not like overly tourist places.
- I have done most major cities in Europe. I love France, and on my last trip drove throught the alps, Lyon and Burgundy. I have done the South of France a couple of times during the summer, and I am not interested in repeating. I have not driven extensively through Provence, and have never been to Bordeaux or Loire.
- I have been to Venice and Florence, but I have never really driven through Tuscany. I am interested in thoughts on Varenna, Modena, Parma, Bologna. I am possibly interested in revisiting Florence, though I am not sure about Venice; it just seems so expensive, complicated, and touristy. Also, is parking in Venice a huge hassle? Safety concerns?
- What about the Amalfi coast? (Probably a little too far south for this trip). What about the Italian riviera coast from Livorno to Nice? Genoa?
- I had a horrble time driving in Como (specifically driving from Como to Bellagio). Are there specific places that are too hairy (especially with a relatively big BMW)? Any extra security concerns with a convertible?
- Is it possible to stay just outside Florence, Venice, or Milan, so I don't have to deal with driving in the city?
- I have been to Prague, and I love it. I don't need to go again, but it is possible. How is driving in Prague and the Czeck Republic?
- Conceivably, I could forget about Paris, it does seem to take me way out of the way.
- Has anyone been to Lubjlana or Trieste?
- Does this sound like too much driving? Am I trying to do too much; going south into central Italy, then way up north to Paris? Should I choose between the two?

Enough questions?...Thanks for the help.

Reply » ED route ideas, advice (many questions)....?

I like the circle idea. And I agree with skipping Paris.

The idea of going more east is also good, although I would suggest Munich - Vienna - Budapest and then through Slovenská on into Poland and Krakau.

It all comes down to how many hours or km per day you want to drive and how much there is to see and do at the destination.

What I have found is that I plan each day the night before, with ,,nice weather`` being a factor in deciding where to go to.

Reply » ED route ideas, advice (many questions)....?

Darn...I almost answered a new post in the ED forum before JSpira..........

From the detailed description of your previous travels in Europe it seems like you already know the answers to most of your questions.

If you don't like touristy places then I would absolutely skip Venice...especially since you've been there. I think at that time of year your idea of Tuscany is great. Why not try Spain?...the weather will be nice and it's not too crowded then. If you go there the week before Easter they will be celebrating Semana Santa. Every night, all over the country, there are wonderful and ornate processions through the cities and towns of the local church congregations. We saw this in Granada and Sevilla a couple of years ago and it was magical. If you've never been to the Alhambra in Granada it is well worth it.

I wouldn't be taking my new 6 as far east as you've mentioned...but that's just me.

Reply » ED route ideas, advice (many questions)....?

Quote:

Darn...I almost answered a new post in the ED forum before JSpira..........

Thanks. Spain is an interesting idea; I'll think about that one (might be too much driving though). Also about taking the 6 convertible east, yes, I am concerned; hopefully some others will have some advice.

Reply » ED route ideas, advice (many questions)....?

I like your idea...be original....most go south to Italy, French rivera bla blah blah...boring... but Munich, Vienna, Prague, Krakow, Budapest perhaps Northern Italy etc is a great idea. These places are so beautiful in Spring it is sick. ANd you will miss the peak tourist season and get les traffic and more avaliability and better hotel prices...I will do that route for sure...some say to go to Croatia as it is still relatively undiscovered but becoming the place to go..

Reply » ED route ideas, advice (many questions)....?

If you haven't been to Paris, go to Paris...enough of that...it's safe. The hot thing now is to go east as SPIRA mentions a lot. We tried that a few years ago and they wouldn't let the rent-a-car in, but thats passe now. Our next trip will be to Prague, Buda and Pest and Vienna. The alternative is to Spain. I still believe Italy is best done without an owned car...I talked to a friend last week who had just been there and had rented a Smart...that would be a blast.

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