We are torn on how much time to spend where... We are doing an extended trip in late August/early September. I specifically have questions regarding Paris, Florence and Venice. For Paris we plan to stay 3 nights, Florence 3 nights and Venice 1 night, where the second night in Venice we would be taking an evening train to our next location. While in Paris we want to see the sites and walk around. While in Florence we are planing to do a wine tour. The following day possibly do the Ferrari factory tour/ Modena food tour they have going right now. And in Venice see the sites, walk around and maybe take a boat ride.... We are very excited about Italy! We are wondering if we should cut Paris to 2 nights and add a night to Venice... Would 2.5 days/ 2 nights be enough for Paris? Thoughts.....
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
1743 posts
Paris will fill whatever time you spend there. A lot of folks would say 3 nights isn't nearly enough, so cutting it to 2 is folly. And they're probably right.
You can get a good Venice overview in a day, but there's much more to do if you allow 2 or 3 days.
I'd say go with your heart. If dreams of being in Venice are what is really getting you excited, then swap a day. But if you find yourselves running out of time in Paris and being forced to leave before you're ready, don't say you weren't warned! :)
Either way, you will surely love all these places. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
While I love Venice, I would not cut time in Paris. If staying the third night in Florence, then depart to Venice as early as you can the next morning to make the most of your 1.5 days there. If you're taking a night train to Munich or Vienna, etc, then the next question is whether any of your later destinations have "time to spare," but I'm guessing that they don't.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
1 overnight in Venice means you will have less than a full day to do what you went there to do and see.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
These are bare minimum times at all locations before you even start considering food, wine or car factory tours.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15809 posts
I'd agree: you've allowed minimal time for all three of these destinations. For instance, you will only have two full days in Florence, and tours planned for each day; one of those far outside of the city. That leaves leaves you very little time for Florence itself. This plan only allows for two full days in Paris, two in Florence, and a partial day in Venice. Personally, I'd cut this down to just two locations: save Paris for next time and add those days to Venice and Florence.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you all for your responses! We are going to think about it over the weekend and make a decission. If we have any other specific questions I know where to come:)