Italy, France, Alps and Wine country September 08

Hello, my husband and I will be traveling in Italy starting in Milan and then on to France and back to Milan. We would like to get in a couple hikes around the Alps and of course hit some wonderful wineries..... Can anyone reccomend a good route and itinerary? and perhaps the best way to travel while there....

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How much time do you have? Are you driving yourself?

Milan to Bordeaux is a very long day%26#39;s drive, even by American standards...and there%26#39;s an awful lot to explore between them.

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Thanks for the reply, we will be there for 8 days. We don%26#39;t want to go straight to Bordeaux, or maybe not even go to Bordeaux..Basically, we want to to an 8 day loop through the alps and wine country region of Italy anf France, we can touch upon Switzerland as well..

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I would suggest forgetting Bordeaux and stick to the Cotes de Rhone, Beaujolais and Burgundy side of France for the wine bit. Then you are not too far from the Alps.

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That%26#39;s a much more workable plan -- you%26#39;ll find so many things to distract you, that you%26#39;ll find it a good idea to build in a couple of %26quot;fluff days%26quot; into your itinerary -- days when you just don%26#39;t have anything planned -- as they will be filled with something you stumbled across.

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Is it worth it for us to rent a car, or can we get around easily in that area by train and cab? Also, any places you suggest not to miss?

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Definately rent a car. Explore the Dauphine pre Alps region by Grenoble and head west towards Tain l%26#39;Hermitage and once you are there follow the Rhone river south until you hit Avignon. Avignon or the towns in the immediate vicinity (St. Remy or Les Baux) are excellent bases for exploring the wine country of the Rhone valley. Chateaunuef-du-Pape and the wine villages of the Dentelles (Gigondas, etc.) have some excellent wineries. Nedd the car without a doubt though. Have a great trip.

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Yep -- rent a car and just wander --

Vaison la Romaine has *incredible* Roman ruins -- there are the lavender fields and olive groves north of the Dentelles -- the vintners there are friendly and welcoming, and happy to tell you about the fruits of their long and difficult labors -- Arles, Avignon, Orange, and Nimes...so much more to see than you%26#39;ll be able to cover in a week.

You%26#39;ll have a wonderful time.

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By the way -- www.autoeurope.com -- best car-rental broker anywhere. Great prices, and excellent customer service.

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Yes autoeurope is hands down better than all of the other agencies combined. Best prices and best customer service.

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Thank you all so much, I will definitely make use of your suggestions!