1 checked suitcase
55 lb62.2 in combined dimensions
Length + height + width
Exact airline limit: 25 kg · 158 cm combined
France & Italy
November 3–16, 2026
All times are local.
Last updated: October 17, 2026
Pack for Vueling Airlines
Our Paris → Florence flight on Vueling sets the luggage limits for the entire trip.
Keep every bag within these limits—even if Delta allows larger or heavier bags.
1 overhead carry-on
22 lb21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in
Exact airline limit: 10 kg · 55 × 40 × 20 cm
1 under-seat personal item
15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 inMust fit under the seat in front of you.
Exact airline limit: 40 × 30 × 20 cm
Inches and pounds are approximate conversions. Do not exceed the exact airline limits shown in metric.
A few things to get ready
Do the downloads at home on wifi so they still work when we have no signal.
Offline maps
Paris · Metz · Florence · RomeIn Google Maps, tap your profile picture, then Offline maps, and download each city. Offline maps help you find places; walking directions still need a signal.
Tour apps
Big Bus and VersaillesDownload both apps. Open the Versailles app once at home so its audio tour loads ahead of time.
Audio guide
Accademia (David)For Kara, Thomas, Sophie and Lila. Save the audio guide and the museum map to your phone ahead of Tuesday, Nov 10.
Headphones
Bring headphones or earbudsYou’ll need them for the audio guides at Versailles and the Accademia.
Power adapter
Bring a travel adapterYou’ll need one to charge phones and other devices in France and Italy. It’s not the same as a voltage converter, which small appliances (hair dryers, steamers, etc.) need if they are not dual voltage.
In an emergency
Dial 112It’s the emergency number in both France and Italy.
Tue3Nov
TODAY
Flying to France
Two sets of flights, meeting up the next day.
Kara + Thomas · Sophie + Lila, on separate flights
Typical for this date: 56° / 46°F
- 5:07 PMKara + Thomas
Kara + Thomas fly out
BOOKEDVPS → ATL on Delta DL2170, then ATL → CDG on Delta DL84. Arrive Wed, Nov 4 at 12:20 PM.
- 5:58 PMSophie + Lila
Sophie + Lila fly out
BOOKEDSAV → JFK on Delta DL5460, then JFK → CDG on Delta DL266. Arrive Wed, Nov 4 at 12:40 PM.
Metz
Two nights at La Citadelle, with time to see Jake.
Where we’re staying
La Citadelle Hotel Metz – MGallery
5 Avenue Ney, 57000 Metz, France2 rooms · 2 adults in each
- Arrive Wed, Nov 4 by train from Paris-CDG
- Leaving Fri, Nov 6 · pickup at 10:00 AM
- Typically 42–54°F, rain on about half of days
- Pack layers, a warm coat, a jacket and shoes that can get wet, and an umbrella
At a glance
Wed4Nov
TODAY
Arrive in France
Land at Paris-CDG, meet up, then the train to Metz.
Kara, Thomas, Sophie, Lila
Typical for this date: 54° / 43°F · often rainy
- 12:20 PMKara + Thomas land
Arrive at Paris-CDG
Kara + Thomas land at 12:20 PM. Sophie + Lila land at 12:40 PM.
- After landing
Meet at Terminal 2E Arrivals
MEETING POINTBetween Doors 8 and 10, after passport control, baggage claim and customs.
Details
Kara + Thomas will try to meet Sophie + Lila along their arrival route if airport access and the day’s gate assignments allow. Terminal 2E Arrivals is where we meet if we don’t find each other earlier. - 2:58 PMarrive 4:48 PM
TGV to Lorraine TGV
BOOKEDFrom the CDG Terminal 2 station.
- After 4:48 PM
Transfer to La Citadelle
BOOKEDPrivate van from Lorraine TGV station to Hôtel La Citadelle. Our train arrives at 4:48 pm. Your driver will be waiting at arrivals holding a sign with our name.
- On arrival
Hotel check-in
BOOKEDLa Citadelle · two rooms.
Thu5Nov
TODAY
Time with Jake
Time and place to be decided.
All five of us
Typical for this date: 52° / 42°F · often rainy
- To be decided
Visit Jake at school
TIME AND PLACE TO BE DECIDEDWe’ll share the time and meeting place once they’re set.
Paris
All five of us, together for three nights.
Where we’re staying
Edgar Suites Louvre–Jour
25 Rue du Jour, 75001 Paris, France3 bedrooms · Apartment 303 J
- Check-in from 3:00 PM on Fri, Nov 6
- Early luggage drop confirmed
- Leaving Mon, Nov 9 · pickup at 6:30 AM
- Typically 43–55°F, rain on about half of days
- Pack layers, a warm coat, a jacket and shoes that can get wet, and an umbrella
At a glance
Fri6Nov
TODAY
Travel to Paris
Train from Metz, bags at the apartment, then the hop-on hop-off bus.
All five of us
Typical for this date: 54° / 44°F
- 10:00 AMpickup
Transfer to Metz-Ville station
BOOKEDPrivate van from Hôtel La Citadelle to Metz-Ville station for the 10:58 am train. Jake joins us at the station.
- 10:58 AMarrive 12:21 PM
TGV to Paris
BOOKEDMetz-Ville → Gare de l’Est · all five of us.
- 12:21 PMafter the train
Van to the apartment
BOOKEDGare de l’Est → Edgar Suites. Airporter Paris, van for 5 + luggage. The driver will message us on arrival to say where to meet.
- On arrival
Early luggage drop
CONFIRMEDEdgar Suites · Apartment 303 J. We can leave our bags before check-in.
- Afternoonafter the bags
Hop-on hop-off bus
BOOKEDBig Bus 48-hour pass. Hop off anywhere along the route.
Details
Valid for two days and includes the Seine cruise on Saturday. The last pickup at the Eiffel Tower is at 6:50 PM. Everyone downloads the Big Bus app first, and we’ll split the ticket before it’s activated. - 3:00 PMcheck-in opens
Apartment check-in
BOOKEDEdgar Suites · Apartment 303 J.
Sat7Nov
TODAY
Versailles and the Seine
The palace at 1:30 PM, then the evening cruise.
All five of us
Typical for this date: 55° / 44°F
- 11:45 AMpickup
Van to Versailles
BOOKEDPickup at 25 Rue du Jour, ready downstairs at 11:45 AM for our 1:30 PM entry.
- 1:30 PMentry
Palace of Versailles
BOOKEDChâteau, Pavillon d’Orléans entrance, with skip-the-line access.
Details
Download the Versailles app before we go, and bring headphones or earbuds that day for the audio guide. - 4:30 PMpickup
Van to the Eiffel Tower
BOOKEDPickup at Rue des Récollets in Versailles. Arrive at the cruise dock.
- 6:00 PMabout · board
Seine cruise
INCLUDED IN BUS PASSFirst collect your cruise boarding pass from a Big Bus staff member near Stop #8 (Eiffel Tower). Then go to Pontoon No. 3, Port de la Bourdonnais, and scan your ticket. It boards every 30 minutes on weekends, and indoor seating is available.
- Eveningafter the cruise
Taxis back to the apartment
NO BOOKING NEEDEDWe may have dinner around the Eiffel Tower first. When we’re ready, we’ll hail two taxis on the street back to 25 Rue du Jour.
Sun8Nov
TODAY
Private Louvre tour
2:30–5:30 PM with our guide, Alix.
All five of us
Typical for this date: 54° / 43°F
- 2:30 PMuntil 5:30 PM
The Louvre with our guide
BOOKEDMeet in front of the glass pyramid, at the equestrian statue of Louis XIV. The guide sends a reminder the day before.
Florence
Four of us here. Jake is back at school in Metz.
Where we’re staying
Duomo View Terrace
Via dei Servi 8, Florence, Italy2 bedrooms
- Check-in from 3:00 PM on Mon, Nov 9
- Early luggage drop to be confirmed
- Leaving Thu, Nov 12 · van pickup at Piazza Duomo, 9:45 AM
- Typically 46–62°F, rain on about half of days
- Pack layers, a warm coat, a jacket and shoes that can get wet, and an umbrella
At a glance
Mon9Nov
TODAY
Paris → Florence
An early flight, then the golf-cart tour in the afternoon.
Kara, Thomas, Sophie, Lila
Typical for this date: 61° / 47°F · often rainy
- 6:30 AMpickup
Van to Orly airport
BOOKEDPickup at 25 Rue du Jour. Airporter Paris, van for 4 + luggage. Everyone downstairs and ready with bags at pickup time.
- 9:20 AMarrive 11:05 AM
Flight to Florence
BOOKEDParis Orly → Florence · Vueling VY6059.
- After landing
Taxi to the apartment
TAXI RANK ON ARRIVALTaxi rank outside arrivals, to Via dei Servi 8. We may need two cars.
- About noon
Early luggage drop-off
TO BE CONFIRMEDVia dei Servi 8. We’re asking the host whether we can leave bags early.
- 3:00 PMcheck-in opens
Apartment check-in
BOOKEDDuomo View Terrace.
- 3:30–4:00 PMabout
Florence golf-cart tour
BOOKEDProposed meeting point: Piazza Carlo Goldoni, to be confirmed. The provider sends details before the tour.
Tue10Nov
TODAY
David at the Accademia
A short, self-guided visit to see David and a few key pieces.
Kara, Thomas, Sophie, Lila
Typical for this date: 61° / 47°F
- 1:00 PMtimed entry
Galleria dell’Accademia
BOOKEDTimed entry, so we must arrive by 1:00 PM.
Details
Save the audio guide and the museum map to your phone beforehand, and bring headphones or earbuds that day.
Wed11Nov
TODAY
Guided Uffizi tour
A private three-hour guided tour of the Uffizi.
Kara, Thomas, Sophie, Lila
Typical for this date: 60° / 46°F
- 3:00 PMuntil 6:00 PM
Uffizi Gallery with a private guide
BOOKEDA private three-hour tour with our guide, Lisa. Meet in Piazza della Signoria, in front of the copy of Michelangelo’s David.
Please bring photo ID for the entrance.
Rome
All five of us again once Jake arrives on Thursday.
Where we’re staying
Pantheon Miracle Suite
Vicolo de’ Burrò 165, Rome, ItalyNear Piazza di Pietra and the Pantheon
3 bedrooms
- Check-in from 3:00 PM on Thu, Nov 12
- Early luggage drop confirmed
- Leaving Mon, Nov 16 · pickup at 6:45 AM
- Typically 43–63°F, rain on about half of days
- Pack layers, a warm coat, a jacket and shoes that can get wet, and an umbrella
At a glance
Thu12Nov
TODAY
Florence → Rome
A morning train, then a relaxed walk from Piazza Navona to Trevi.
Kara, Thomas, Sophie, Lila · Jake arrives in Rome today
Typical for this date: 62° / 43°F · often rainy
- 9:45 AMpickup
Transfer to the station
BOOKEDVan pickup at Piazza Duomo, a short walk from Duomo View Terrace (the van can’t reach the door). Leave the apartment a few minutes early with bags.
- 10:59 AMarrive 12:35 PM
Train to Rome
BOOKEDFirenze S.M.N. → Roma Termini.
- 12:35 PMafter the train
Transfer to the apartment
BOOKEDPrivate van from Roma Termini to Pantheon Miracle Suite. The driver waits at the right exit holding a sign with our name.
- 3:00 PMcheck-in opens
Apartment check-in
BOOKEDPantheon Miracle Suite. Early luggage drop confirmed.
- Afternoonafter we arrive
Piazza Navona to Trevi Fountain
NOTHING TO BOOKNo paid activity is planned. We’ll stroll from Piazza Navona to the Trevi Fountain, with café or gelato stops as we wish.
Fri13Nov
TODAY
Private Vatican tour
Vatican Museums with a private guide, starting at 1:30 PM.
All five of us
Typical for this date: 63° / 43°F
- 12:45 PMpickup
Van to the Vatican
BOOKEDPickup at the apartment for our 1:30 PM tour at Caffè Vaticano.
- 1:30 PMabout 3 hours
Vatican Museums with a private guide
BOOKEDIncludes the Borgia Apartments, Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Meet in front of Caffè Vaticano, Viale Vaticano 100. Our guide will be holding a sign with our name.
Please bring photo ID; it may be checked at the entrance.
Dress code: shoulders and knees covered, and no flip-flops.
Sat14Nov
TODAY
Ancient Rome walk
A private guided walk to see the Colosseum, forums and market from outside.
All five of us
Typical for this date: 62° / 43°F
- 2:00 PMabout 2 hours
Ancient Rome, private exterior walk
BOOKEDA private guided walk to see the Colosseum, forums and market from outside. Meet at Largo Gaetana Agnesi, on the terrace overlooking the Colosseum just above Colosseo metro (Line B). Arrive 10 minutes early.
Plan to leave around 1:15 and walk to the meeting point (approx 1 mile)
Details
The tour is about 1.5 miles, all outdoors and over cobbles and gravel, so wear comfortable shoes. Bring water. No tickets are needed because we see everything from outside.
Sun15Nov
TODAY
A free day in Rome
Nothing planned. Explore or relax as we wish.
All five of us
Typical for this date: 63° / 43°F
- All day
Free day
NOTHING TO BOOKNo activities are planned today. Enjoy the day, and explore or relax as we wish.
Mon16Nov
TODAY
Rome → Home
Early pickup, then home by evening.
Kara, Thomas, Sophie, Lila
Typical for this date: 62° / 43°F
- 6:45 AMpickup
Transfer to Rome airport
BOOKEDPrivate van from Pantheon Miracle Suite to FCO. The driver waits in front of the apartment at 6:45 AM. Everyone downstairs and ready with bags.
- 10:25 AMDelta DL215
Flight to Atlanta
BOOKEDRome FCO → Atlanta ATL · four travelers together.
- 6:35 PMarrive
Kara + Thomas home
BOOKEDConnect in Atlanta (2½ hour layover), then ATL → VPS on Delta DL2803. Arrive 6:35 PM.
- 9:06 PMarrive
Sophie + Lila home
BOOKEDConnect in Atlanta (4 hour layover), then ATL → SAV on Delta DL2425. Arrive 9:06 PM.
Here’s to a wonderful trip
Two weeks, four cities, and so much time together. Thank you all for making this trip something special. Safe travels, and see you soon.
With love