[Dottore]

I have to disagree on the car.

A rental car gives you the opportunity to access places that you will never see if you are confined to trains and planes. It's the spontaneous experiences in small villages and towns that will really make your first trip to Europe.

Even if you're on a budget, get a fun car like a Fiat 500—and really plan your route through the countryside.

And driving in Europe is huge fun on the B roads.