My first European tour, or Italy, the whirlwind view.

My very first excursion to Europe was a Rick Steves inspired whirlwind through Italy. I like Rick Steves (from here refered to as "RS") a lot...Note that this was a RS INSPIRED trip, not led by RS or his company, but by a friend at work who worships the ground RS walks on. I am very glad I went, though I will say that it didn't give me the best impression of Italy. We spent nearly as much time on the trains as we did in the towns and let me say that the trains in Italy are generally lacking in cleanliness. God forbid you need to use the restroom onboard.

We rushed from city to city, spending a day or two in each. It was enough time to see that we needed more time in each city! A day and a half in Rome? Two days in Assisi? Two days in Venice? Not my favorite way to travel. But...it is an economical and effective way to travel. Might I suggest a slightly different way of doing it?

1. Upgrade if you take the train. Coach is temptingly cheap, but first class is a lot nicer.
2. Go with a reputable tour company. Use your travel agent to guide you. Using a travel agent does not add to your cost, it may save money and you have someone for all your questions and as security in case of problems abroad. This is a great "First European Tour" option.
3. If you decide to go alone, go ahead! Have fun traveling under the radar. Before you go, read some books to learn about the area. Rick Steves, Frommer's and Lonely Planet are some of the best. A travel agent can help you with this, too. Pre-booking special tours, hotels, car rentals, and letting you know what you will need to know while abroad.
4. Pick up some basics in the language of the land. Be able to ask "where is..." and be able to figure out directions from gesturing. Learning the words for "go right" or "go left" are basic necessities.

I have some great suggestions if Italy is a place you want to be very soon. First: travel now! The weather isn't bad, but it isn't great. Summer is over and with it, the crowds. Not to mention the prices are down from a month or so ago. You'll need a coat, but you'll see and do all you want to without paying the premium or standing in line for a half-hour or more. Also, don't forget the South of Italy is much warmer than the mountainous North.

Second: Don't poo-poo all guided tours. It's a great and comfortable way for one to travel a foreign land for the first time especially. Your travel agent can suggest tours for your age group, interests and capabilities. (Don't think it's not for you just because you use a wheelchair, special needs travelers are one of the fastest-growing travel groups.) I can help with any of these plans, check out www.cktraveloptions.com for information.

Italy is a gorgeous country, I can't wait to go back at my own pace. Ideally, I will spend at least two weeks in the Northern region and two weeks in the South in two separate vacations. Special things I want to see or do? Spend time in the Umbrian/Tuscan area. Miles of orchards and vineyards, dotted with small farms and wineries. A great area for those who want to experience agritourism. Yes, you can do farm-stays! Major cities: Firenze (Florence), Assisi and Perugia.

ROME for a week! I threw my coin in Trevi fountain, that means I'm guaranteed to return.

Piedmont. the mountainous North Western area, great farms, beautiful landscape. Major city: Torino (Turin)

The "Boot". Start at Naples and see Pompei, Sorrento, Capri, the Amalfi coast, Sicicly and a thousand amazing little towns.

So many places to see in Italy, not to mention foods to eat and wine to drink! Beautiful country, wonderful people and history galore for those buffs. It is possible to grow weary of Roman ruins, believe it or not!