You guys are always good for helping with traveling and vacations. This summer I am planning around a 14 day Road Trip, and I’d like whatever input, suggestions, warning, and anecdotes you might have to share.
I only have the major stops planned right now. So if you know of any “must see” attractions in these areas, I’d like to hear it. Also, if you know of anything good between these cities that is worth deviating for, I am open to any and all suggestions!
Starting near Venice, Italy. Then to Budapest, Hungary. Then to Transylvania, Romania. From there to Athens, Greece, then to Thermopylae. From there it’s skirting the west coast of Croatia to find a nice beach resort, and then back to the starting point!
If you’re going to Budapest, consider the Sziget festival from the 8th to the 15th of August. Lots of good bands. On the other hand, the town is going to be under siege with people, so if festivals aren’t your thing you’d probably best avoid it then. (I was there in '07 and am happily going back this year. Gogol Bordello, Flogging Molly, Interpol, Gotan Project, Judas Priest, Motorhead, Kingston Cruisers - the list goes on!)
I was in Venice this May, as it happens. It’s an absolutely wonderful place, but do yourself a favour and bring a backpack instead of a suitcase if you’re planning on dragging it along with you. The city is essentially broken down into 20 meter stretches between pave-stone bridges and is not remotely hospitable if you’ve got a wheeled suitcase. I’d skip the gondolas (overpriced and quite boring, as we found out - about €80) but do take the water-buses around town, they’re lovely. Eat near the farmers’ markets in Rialto or Castello and do try the local beers, they’re shockingly good. Prices will decrease based on distance to the bus station and the Piazza san Marco, with the area in a triangle between those two points and the Rialto bridge being the worst.
I have no idea how it’s going to be in the summer, but the local English proficiency was abysmal though I was told a lot of help is hired for the tourist season. I mean, I’ve traveled in most of Europe - north, south, east and west - and I was surprised that I was completely unable to make myself understood in two out of every three restaurants and shops I visited. (I speak English, German, some spanish and Norwegian) Though knowing some rudimentary Italian phrases did help me along a lot. (Despite the tone the wait staff used, I was surprised to find out that “prego” did not mean “fuck off”, for instance.)
The Piazza san Marco was the highlight of Venice for me, though we didn’t have the time to stand in the ginormous queue to get into the basilica. It’s an absolutely gorgeous town and I can’t wait to go back. (Though I won’t get accomodations on Lido this time.)
I live about 35 minutes from Venice. You’ve pretty much nailed it … and the people. That Sziget festival sounds awesome. I will be gone by then, unfortunately. This will all be from the 4th until the 15th or 18th of July.