For some background info Sly, how many days would you be travelling? I don't usually do a check bag, so it complicates some aspects of travel a bit. Yes, you could put a torch in checked bag....but I wouldn't do a favorite one. Depending on amount of time, I usually do a combination of travel humi and zip bags with a humidity pack.
Yes EVERYTHING is expensive there...unless you are doing the hostel route, there really isn't a way to avoid it. All rental cars are manual...you pay a lot more for automatic. May be best to pick up an inexpensive international Garmin here. You will need cash, so get some before you head out (euros).