Where should I go in Europe for a 3 night photography trip?

[2StepSteve]

I need to get away.

I'm very close to booking a trip to Rome. Have already short listed hotels. But before I book I'm asking myself is there anywhere else I should be considering within Europe for a 3 night trip?

I'm open to suggestions!

 

[2StepSteve]

Paris did come to mind, but I think I fancy something that's a little beyond the door step.

MRK - The roadtrip thing does sound a good idea. I just don't think my RX8 is the ideal roadtripping vechile though. It likes to drink!

Steve, I just did a 3 night trip.
Flew into Rome, then onto Florence by train and finally to Venice by train then flew back from there. Got some good shots and got to see quite a fair bit of Italy, would thoroughly recommend. Warning though, take a tripod and a big stop ND if you don't want to get the mass of crowds in your shots!
I would have liked to of done it on 6 days but it's doable in 3

Hi sHo0sh, thanks for the advice. I appreciate it.

Which ND filter do you recommend?

I think lugging around a tripod may get on my nerves. I can't see myself carrying around my RedSnapper over there, probably wouldn't make it on to the plane with it! Wondering if a GorillaPod is the answer?

 

[2StepSteve]

I think I'm pretty much decided on Rome, I bought a guide book.

Just trying to find a semi decent hotel to stay in now.

 

[2StepSteve]

What's your budget?

I stayed at the Hotel Diana, which was pretty awesome.

ALso look at the Villafranca, or the Andreotti. All of these are close to the termini station which is the main transport hub, and you can easily walk the loop of Vatican, Colloseum, Trevi from there.

Regarding an ND I'm afraid I have no idea - just know I need to get one!

Also - you must go to Florence, you can get the train there very easily from Rome, its 40 euros on the fast one - 2 hours or 20 euros on the slow one - 4 hours. You can even book a flight home from Pisa if you don't want to train it back to Rome - bear that in mind.

Thanks the advice. My budget is around £450 for the flight and hotel. Actually Villafranca is on my short list, some confusion about whether the wifi is actually free though. Prime Villa Torlonia Hotel (quite a bit cheaper but a 10 minute walk to a station) is also on my short list.. it's right near the tram line and close to a nice looking local park.

Florence does look like a must to visit. Tempted to try and go for 4 nights instead of 3 as there looks like there is a shed load to see!

watch out for pickpockets theres hundreds of them in Rome, and work in packs of all ages, large groups in the touristy locations (yes its like that in all major cites) the police dont give a dam, so make sure you get independent camera insurance that covers useless police reports

Thanks for the tip. I am a little worried about this aspect of the trip to be honest, especially as I am travelling alone. It means that my camera will have to be with me all the time. Will need to get a new bag and a new shoulder strap to avoid drawing attention to myself. The bag will need to be small enough to be allowed to carry on the plane yet big enough to fit other bits and bobs inside, such as Kindle, tablet and other bits. I'm looking at taking my 5DMKIII + three or four lenses (24-105L, Sigma 1.4 35mm, possibly 70-300L or 85mm 1.8).

I am currently insured with Photoguard and once I have everything booked and finalised I will give them a call to ask about cover abroad.

Going back to bags: I think the Tamrac Rally 5 may be a good choice? http://www.tamrac.com/products/rally5/
I'm not normally keen on messenger bags but this may be a better choice for traveling? What do all you think?

 

[2StepSteve]

Hey, thanks Genoma, looks like a very good bag. I fear though that even the 22 AW will be too small as the camera compartment is on the smallish side.