After much study of the latest RS book, I still have questions. Any comments on this itinerary or means of travel for September 5th - 20th: Fly into Venice - 2 nights there Train to Cinque Terre - 2 nights there Rent car and drive to Loro Ciufenna in Tuscany (we have a timeshare there for 1 week and will daytrip to Florence and other Tuscan towns) Return car to Rome and spend 3 nights there before flying home
I am concerned that the Cinque Terre may be too much to fit in and should spend those nights elsewhere. Suggestions please. Thank you.
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
Patti, your suspect correctly - the Cinque Terre is a bit much given two factors: You will be arriving jetlagged, with much of that first day in Venice a write off. Venice can easily be stretched to your full first 4 nights. Is your TS week starting on a Sat? You will have to be sure to pick up your rental car in Florence or Arezzo before noon, if it is. Or, you can spend the first 3 nights in Venice, then take a train to Verona or to Ravenna for one night. Pick up the car there, then drive leisurely in time for your 4PM check-in. My first pick would be Ravenna.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Patti, Have you accounted for your travel day (you'll arrive in Europe the day after you depart the U.S.)? Some comments on driving (especially in Florence).... One important point to note is that for driving in Italy, each driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some case is offered at the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! Have a look at This Website for more detailed information. You may also want to have a look at some of the other posts here concerning the dreaded Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent on many Italian towns & cities. EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! A GPS along with a good Map would also be a good idea. Be sure to also give some thought to the question of CDW. If you accept the CDW offered by the rental firm, it will be expensive but will provide "peace of mind". Some "premium" credit cards provide rental vehicle insurance, however I've found this to be somewhat complicated so I just accept that offered by the rental firm. Check the Car Rental section in Europe Through The Back Door for further information. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
St. Petersburg
3 posts
Thank you - all good information. I am now thinking of leaving one day earlier in order to have three nights in Venice and then going on to the CT.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I don't normally encourage one-nighters because you can feel too rushed. For your itinerary, however, it might help to plan an intermediate stop between Venice and CT, it's a long trip. I like Verona but I can't say how well it works for your trip. On our trip we came into Italy from the North, stopped in Verona, went to Venice, then stopped in Modena on the way to CT. Even with the stop, the travel days were longer than I like.