Séjour en Toscane du 15 au 22 avril 2013
Arrivée à Pise vers midi direction le centre environ 20mn à pied pour rejoindre l' Hotel Moderno, petit hôtel familial depuis plusieurs générations accueil très agréable, propre, seul hic près de la voie ferrée mais par nuit les trains ne circulent pas ou très peu. Petit déjeuner en self service dans le calme.
Après midi visite de la fameuse tour et ses environs, la piazza dei miracoli, nous ne sommes pas montés dans la tour mais cela est possible avec du courage!
Vous pouvez prendre un billet combiné qui donne accès à 2,3 ou 4 de ces monuments.
N'hésitez pas à emprunter des petites ruelles (vicolo) afin de vous imprégner de la vie quotidienne, l'architecture est parfois magnifique; vous trouverez de ci de là de jolies petites églises pas toujours mentionnées dans les guides, mais qui valent une visite quand même.
Le lendemain direction la gare (stazione) pour prendre le train pour Lucques (Lucca) les billetteries sont en 4 langues, pas de problème on se débrouille.
Lucca est une petite ville fortifiée dont vous pouvez faire le tour par les remparts ombragées ( 5 km) et ainsi appercevoir tout autour les contreforts des Alpes; visite de la cathédrale (duomo) et de plusieurs églises à l'architecture délicate, les billets sont en général combinés pour plusieurs accès (musée, églises, ets...). Pour déjeuner la place de l’amphithéâtre (piazza dell anfiteatro) regorge de petits restaurants sympas.
Mercredi, nous voila partis pour Florence avec la navette de l'aéroport (moins cher si vous réservez par internet) elle vous mènera directement face à la gare de SMN (santa maria novella) vous pouvez prendre le train mais je crois qu'il arrive dans une autre gare plus loin du centre touristique. Cherchez le centre d'informations juste à coté de SMN, ils vous guiderons dans vos recherches (hotel, musée, etc...) et vous donnerons un plan de Florence. Tout est à voir, faites un planning et n'oubliez pas que pour entrer dans les musées il faut réserver (payant) ou faire la queue (1h30 pour la gallerie des offices en arrivant à 8h30). Florence peut être partagé en quartier.
Quartier nord de l'arno:
San Lorenzo
les chapelles des Médicis
le palais Medici-Riccardi
la galerie de l'académie
le musée san marco
santa maria novella
santa trinita
le palais davanzati
la place de la seignerie
le palazzo vecchio
le musée des offices
santa croce
el mercanto centrale (marché très typique, pates, charcuterie, vinaigre, huile, ets...)
Quartier sud de l'arno:
santa maria del carmine
santo spirito
palazzo pitti
giardino di boboli (magnifique vue sur tout Florence)
piazzale michelangelo
san miniato al monte
Dimanche retour à Pise par la navette pour reprendre l'avion.
En résumé, voyage magnifique, une architecture à couper le souffle, des détails qui nécessitent beaucoup de temps, d'attention mais ça vaut la peine.
N'oubliez pas qu'à l’hôtel vous paierez une taxe par personne et par nuit d'environ 1.5 à 3 euros.
Pratiquement tous les monuments sont payants, voir les billet couplets pour plusieurs accès.
Les églises, restaurants sont en général fermés le dimanche.
Pas d'hypermarché ou très peu mais des petites commerces familiaux ouverts environ de 8h30 à 13h et de 15h30 à 20h.
Les toilettes publiques sont rares, il faut aller dans les cafés, les gares et n'oubliez pas le pourboire. En général très propres.
Le plus : la toscane est une superbe région, paysages montagneux, édifices religieux sans compter, accueil agréable, ville propre (les employés de nettoyage des rues à 20h30 le samedi sont au travail!!!!).
Le moins : les employés de restauration qui vous accoste dés 11h pour manger dans leur établissement, les billets d'entrée pour les musées et autres sites.
pas d'hypermarché ? à pise : carrefour , leclerc , PAM , esselunga , ipercoop ; 2 autres à pontederra à 15 km
je connais moins lucca hors de ses murs , mais il y a au moins carrefour
trop long pour citer ceux de fllorence ; évidemment , pas plus que dans les villes frnaçaises ils ne sont dans le centre sauf les magasins type galeries lafayette ; au moins 2 corso italia à pise , l'artère la + commerçante , et 2 à proximité de la signoria à florence,
je ne sais pas ce que vous appelez une petite ville , mais l'agglomération de lucca a 170.000 habitants
pas d'hypermarché ? à pise : carrefour , leclerc , PAM , esselunga , ipercoop ; 2 autres à pontederra à 15 km
je connais moins lucca hors de ses murs , mais il y a au moins carrefour
trop long pour citer ceux de fllorence ; évidemment , pas plus que dans les villes frnaçaises ils ne sont dans le centre sauf les magasins type galeries lafayette ; au moins 2 corso italia à pise , l'artère la + commerçante , et 2 à proximité de la signoria à florence,
je ne sais pas ce que vous appelez une petite ville , mais l'agglomération de lucca a 170.000 habitants
Bonjour, et désolé mais c'est l'impression que l'on peut avoir en tant que touriste à pied. Je précise car il est vrai qu'en prenant le train j'ai apperçu 1 ou 2 supermarché, mais ils sont hors du circuit touristique.
C'est également ce que l'on peut lire dans les guides. Quand à la petite ville par rapport à Florence il me semble que c'est beaucoup plus petit, mais aussi plus agréable car moins de monde.
Ce que j'ai pu dire ce n'est que le ressenti du touriste et ce n'est pas négatif. Sincèrement j'ai adoré ce voyage.
We're heading to Genoa and the Cinque Terre in mid-October for a full week. We're planning to spend two and a half days—three nights—in the Cinque Terre. The idea is to hike between the villages and use the train (or boat) for the trip out (or back). We're thinking of staying overnight, and I was wondering which village to prioritize.
From January 1st to 4th, I’m heading to Barcelona for the first time. Beyond the tourist sites—which are going to cost me an arm and a leg!!—I’d love to spend a day off the beaten path and see some less touristy spots.
What do you recommend? I’ll be getting around on foot, by metro, or possibly by train if it’s not too far. I love both nature and cultural spots.
And one last thing—is Barcelona at night safe for a woman alone, or is it sketchy?
We’re traveling next summer with our three kids, ages 9 to 15. We’ll arrive in Cork by ferry with our car. We’d like to stay several nights at each stop to settle in, take our time, and stay flexible depending on the weather!
What do you think of this 18-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival around 9:30 AM, drive to Kinsale to visit the village and Charles Fort, then accommodation
- Day 2: Blarney Castle + Cork, then accommodation
- Day 3: Travel to Kenmare (stopping at Gougane Barra?)
- Day 4: Glengariff and surrounding area
- Day 5: Healy Pass + southern Beara
- Day 6: Gap of Dunloe + Kenmare and Reenagross Park
- Day 7: Dursey Island
- Day 8: Killarney National Park
- Day 9: Travel to Clare (stopping at Bunratty)
- Day 10: Kilkee + Loop Head
- Day 11: The Burren
- Day 12: Aran Islands
- Day 13: Travel day to Connemara (stopping at Roundstone and Dog’s Bay or via Galway?)
- Day 14: Clifden + Sky Road + beach
- Day 15: Diamond Hill
- Day 16: Kylemore Abbey + Killary Fjord
- Day 17: Drive back to Cork (stopping at Cahir)
- Day 18: Departure
Hi there, after reading a well-known travel guide, it seems like there’s a lot to see and do in Valletta (I’m only talking about Valletta itself). That’s why I’m thinking of spending 2 days there. I don’t want to rush and would like to get a complete overview. However, I’ve noticed that some travelers only spend one day there. For those who know the city well, what do you think? (I’ve also planned the Three Cities for another day, by the way).
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Our accommodation for 5 days will be near a "Carrefour by Deliveroo Hop." There doesn’t seem to be anything else nearby (it’s a very residential area).
I can’t figure out if it’s delivery-only or if you can also do your grocery shopping there. Does anyone know this type of store and could help me out, please?
Thanks in advance!
PS: I called, but I don’t speak Italian and the store doesn’t speak English—so they hung up on me.
Hi,
I’ve found my upcoming trip for February, and now I’m looking for a one-week getaway in April—somewhere not too far with generally nice weather. Any tips?
Best,😉
Hi everyone, we’re a group of 11 people (including 3 kids under 4) who’d like to do a wine tasting tour starting from Florence (we haven’t rented a car) in Chianti.
We’re looking for an organized tour that leaves from Florence and lets the adults do some wine tasting (and olive oil tasting if possible).
For those who’ve done this tour, do you have any suggestions for tour names that organize these kinds of events? What should we look out for before booking these tours?
Hi, who’s familiar with the Algarve?
Lagos—should I go for a rental or a hotel? How do I get from the airport to the seaside, and how do I get around the city? What’s there to see and do?
Thanks for your ideas and tips!
Hello, VoyageForum friends, and happy holidays!
I’m planning a trip with my 19-year-old grandson to Milan for Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in 2025.
I’d love your insights on what we can visit in Milan that would interest both my grandson and me (I’m 75). Of course, I’m thinking of the must-sees, but not just those—cozy little restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, and anything else you’d recommend. I’m also looking for a comfortable hotel in the city center that isn’t too expensive!
I’m sure the VoyageForum community will help me uncover some hidden gems! Looking forward to your replies.
Summer 2027 is going to be Norwegian for us!
We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands first, then Senja, near Tromsø, and finally the North Cape.
We’ll likely start from northern Finland (flight tickets and car rentals are more affordable there).
I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options.
Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...
But where should we book?
We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.
What’s the best approach?
One place in the central part and explore from there?
One place in the south and another in the center?
Or one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north (3-4-3 nights)?
Hi there, my husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland in mid-October 2026.
Would you have any advice on the best places to visit for a first trip to this destination? Thanks
Hi, I'm heading to Italy soon and I wanted to know if Italian banks charge fees when you withdraw cash at an ATM, or if, like in Spain or Greece, it's better to avoid taking out money and bring cash instead. Looking forward to your replies... Thanks
We’re planning a short trip at the end of July to explore the legendary mountains and valleys of the Bernese Oberland: round trip from Nancy (Swiss highway vignette planned), 2 nights in a room with a small kitchen in Adelboden, then 2 nights in a hotel at the Gletscherblick in Grindelwald, both with half-board included.
Could you share some tips on the best road routes to take, as well as some walking hikes (we’re not as fit as we used to be, so nothing longer than 2-3 hours)? Maybe also 1 or 2 cable car rides—I was thinking of Oeschinensee Lake above Kandersteg and the First gondola above Grindelwald for better panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau... all while keeping it doable with our schedule. We’ve ruled out the "premium" trip up to the Jungfraujoch for this time.
I’m also guessing that paying to access Wengen or Mürren only makes sense if we’re staying there for a few days, right?
- Is the road through the narrow valley of the White Lütschine toward Lauterbrunnen and beyond still worth it in terms of views and scenery?
On the way back, if we have a little time to explore Bern’s historic old town, what’s the best parking plan for a 1- or 2-hour stop?
Thanks in advance for your advice, fellow travelers familiar with this beautiful region! 😉
Hi,
I’ll be in Barcelona at the end of October.
I can choose to be there over the weekend or during the week. Probably 4 nights.
Is there a big difference in terms of crowds in the city and in the museums?
Little or no difference would simplify my itinerary on the way.
Hi there,
I’ll be in Rome from April 1st to 13th, 2026—it’s coming up fast!
I’ve been searching online for tickets to visit the Borghese Gallery, but either there’s no availability or the tickets offered are ridiculously expensive.
Could someone guide me to a website where I can book 2 skip-the-line tickets (I’ve heard you have to reserve in advance online)?
Hi everyone,
I rented a car through Klaus Wagen, picking it up in downtown Porto and returning it in downtown Lisbon.
After paying, I read some pretty negative reviews about them.
So, can anyone reassure me with positive experiences they’ve had with them?
Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
I’m heading to Setúbal at the end of June with my granddaughter, and I can’t seem to find clear info on the best way to get from Lisbon Airport to Setúbal. It looks like there’s a train or bus, but I can’t find the exact names of the bus (or train) companies or the precise departure points. Thanks if anyone can help me out! 😉 Just to clarify, I’m on a tight budget and have already ruled out taxis or similar options.
Hello,
We’re heading to Puglia at the end of May. We’re a senior couple. We arrive in Bari, where we’ve booked accommodation for 2 nights. We’ve rented a car.
Day 1: Bari
Day 2: Polignano a Mare – Monopoli
Day 3: Ostuni – Brindisi
Day 4: Lecce
Day 5 & 6: Exploring the coast from Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca
Day 7 & 8: Gallipoli area
Day 9 & 10: Matera
We’re considering renting a place near Lecce for 5 days and using it as a base to explore the region.
Hi there,
I visited the Faroe Islands in late March 2026 for about ten days. I was invited by a friend who lives near Tórshavn, so I don’t have any info on tourist accommodations or car rentals. Still, I’d like to share a few thoughts about my trip:
- Before leaving, I consulted travel guides and blogs. I was surprised by how repetitive and unoriginal the featured sites were. This leads hurried travelers to follow the same overcrowded routes, which can annoy locals. I found that all Faroese villages were interesting—they reflect the country’s identity, even without the iconic grass-roofed houses. Those are indeed harmonious and beautiful, but they feel like an exotic cliché. For activities, I loved the lively ports that keep the country running.
- I was annoyed by the paid trails in tourist spots. Locals explained that these paths cross private land, and owners are responsible for maintenance and safety. There are plenty of free trails, too—signs at the start detail their features. While not alarmist, the extreme and unpredictable weather is a key factor to consider before setting out.
- The wind’s strength really impressed me. The architecture, with doors and windows opening outward to prevent gusts from blowing roofs off, speaks to the harsh climate. Some days, relentless rain and squalls made going outside unappealing. I realized that in this country, it’s best to plan for flexible indoor days.
- Distances are relatively short. I was happy to be based near Tórshavn because it was easy to explore one or more places in a day. The roads are in great condition. In late March, diesel was 2 €. Tunnel tolls can add up (~26 € per crossing), making a fixed base less practical than I’d thought.
- Everyone agrees: the landscapes are breathtaking. Nature feels untamed here—except for the short grass, thanks to all the woolly sheep.
- The flight from Paris to the Faroe Islands (and back) was long in March—11 hours with three legs: Paris-Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Copenhagen, Copenhagen-Vágar. In bad weather, Vágar Airport can close, causing delays. During tourist season, Atlantic Airways offers a direct Paris-Faroe Islands flight, which is more comfortable and cheaper.
- I found a book recommendation in a guide that fascinated me after my trip: *Les collectionneurs d'images* by Joanes Nielsen. Through its sometimes caricatured characters, it offers a glimpse into Faroese mentalities from the 1950s to 1970s—attitudes that likely persist today.
In conclusion, I’ve traveled a lot and I’m tired of destinations that all start to look the same. The Faroe Islands were a delight—a country stunning in its landscape, climate, and culture, where tourism has barely altered its authenticity.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for October to visit Naples (6 nights) and the Amalfi Coast (5 nights). We’ve already got the historic center and the Lapis Museum in Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Procida, Sorrento, and Ravello on our list. Any suggestions, addresses, or tips?
Thanks for your help.
Hello,
We’re heading to Rome from 21/09, arriving in the early afternoon, and returning on 28/09, leaving in the morning. We’ve already booked our flight tickets and our accommodation in the city center: Via Ezio.
I’d love to get your feedback on our itinerary and if there are any visits we should book right now:
Monday 21 afternoon:
Largo di Torre Argentina: a sacred spot for cats.
Tuesday 22:
The Vatican: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in the morning. Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica, the dome, and if possible, the necropolis.
Wednesday 23:
Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Afternoon: Trastevere neighborhood and the Monumento a Garibaldi.
Thursday 24:
Piazza Navona, Church of St. Louis of the French, the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, Trevi Fountain.
Friday 25:
Villa Borghese, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Quirinale, Piazza della Repubblica, and Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Saturday 26:
Aventine and Testaccio neighborhoods, the Capuchin Crypt.
Sunday 27:
Ostia.
Monday 28:
Departure.
Are any days too packed, or should we add more visits?
Thanks for your input and help!
Cheers!
Anne
Hi there,
I’m looking for some great tips for a stay in Palma de Mallorca this summer.
I need cheap flights departing from Toulouse and affordable accommodation for 4 people.
What do you recommend?
Best regards,
