What a marvelous trip for memory making!

In Paris, the Costas on Rue Saint Honore just off Place Vendome is a wonderfully chic hotel just around the corner from the Ritz as well as the Westin and very central to major sightseeing like the Tuilleries, various museums including Musee d'Orsay and the Louvre and very close to the Metro which is a great way to get around. If you'd like to try a smaller, boutique two-star hotel near the Eiffel Tower recommended a few years ago by Wine Spectator, try Hôtel du Champ de Mars 7, Rue du Champ de Mars Tel. 011 331 45 51 52 30 Fax 011 331 45 51 64 36. Last we stayed there, rooms ran 72 Euro. Probably a bit higher now.

Our experience is that it's less expensive to sample the top restaurants of Paris at lunch. My wife and I always enjoy the service, cuisine and spectacular views at La Tour d'Argent accross from Notre Dame cathedral. They have a half-million-bottle wine cellar that they'll gladly give you a tour of after lunch. Just ask your waiter. Be sure to dress up even for lunch and you'll likely meet the owner. Make reservations in advance for their 60 Euro Prix Fixe lunch. Restaurant de la Tour d’Argent 15, Quai de la Tournelle.


Pisa is a must-see. Take the train from Florence (Firenze) and walk to the duomo and see the leaning tower. In Rome we stayed at the Westin and enjoyed its central location not far from the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain as well as many inexpensive sidewalk cafes.

Don't miss the daily farmers' market in Nice. If you like paella, one of the retaurants bordering the market makes it fresh daily al fresco.