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10-day trip

Hey everyone, I'm trying to plan a trip to Italy for 10 days, probably next April. The two places I MUST visit are Florence and Rome (I've learned so much about them, I'll regret it if I don't visit them). Originally I wanted to spend a good amount of time in both, maybe four or five days in Rome and then at least three in Florence. But then I read Rick Steves' Italy book, where he seems to really push people to not visit Rome for more than three days on your first trip. And same with Florence - he suggested just two days was enough. So now I'm limiting myself to just five days between the two cities. This leaves me another five days to plan. I've got one day for Siena and two days to explore some of the hill towns. I figure the area we're exploring is pretty compact, so do I even try to leave to go visit Venice? I feel like if I did that, I would stretch myself too thin, but then Venice would be cool to see, even if for only a day. Or should I go ahead and spend more time in Florence and Rome? Also, would you suggest I start in Florence and end in Rome? Here's what I've got worked out so far: Day 1: Land Rome, travel to Florence Day 2: Florence Day 3: Siena Day 4: Civita, Orvieto Day 5: More hill towns Day 6: ? Day 7: ? Day 8: Rome Day 9: Rome Day 10: Rome
Finally, I figured I would just use trains for all the traveling except for the hill towns, when I would rent a car from Siena. Would that work?

Posted by
7737 posts

I really wish Rick would dial that back. I really have to disagree with that advice. I think he says that because he wants you to cram more places into your itinerary, perhaps because there really is so much to see and do. But I tip my balance more toward experiencing a place rather than just seeing it. On our first trip to Italy, we took his advice and scheduled only two nights in Florence. Due to a screw-up with the previous city on our itinerary, we ended up going to Florence two days early and spent a total of four nights in Florence. Although Florence isn't one of our very favorite cities in Italy (we've now been to a couple dozen), I'm SOOOO glad we were there for four nights. And remember that the first city you visit, you'll still be recovering from jet lag, so for the first couple of days you can't do as much sight-seeing (at least if you're like me). (Also, on that first trip we did four nights in Rome and it wasn't enough.)

Posted by
32171 posts

Teresa, My feeling on the suggested Itineraries in Rick's books is that they are often a bit "ambitious" and may not be good for all people. I assume you're working with perhaps a 12-day time frame. Keep in mind that you'll lose the first and last days in travel. With such a short time, using open-jaw flights would be the most efficient travel method. You could (for example) fly inbound Venice and outbound Rome. That's the route I'd suggest, especially if this is your first trip to Italy. Whether you want to include Venice will be a matter of prioritizing between that and hill towns. You won't have time for both. Rather than visiting Orvieto and Civita as a day trip from Siena, it might be better to plan a night or two in Orvieto and travel to Civita by Bus (although you could also rent a car for the day in Orvieto). If you're planning on driving in Italy, be sure you're aware of the usual "caveats" regarding driving there. If you need further information, post another note. Good luck with your planning!

Posted by
57 posts

Thanks everyone. I think the book suggested capping Rome at 3 days because it can become overwhelming. But I would plan on spending at least one day at the Vatican, so I'm not sure that would leave me enough time for the rest of Rome. As far as my background: My husband and I are both 28. We like variety - I like going to art museums, but there's definitely a limit on how many I want to go to. I love history, so seeing the ancient sights in Rome is a big thing for me. I also want a good mix of the countryside and cities, which is why I thought we could split our time between Florence and Rome with the hill towns. I certainly want to really tour Italy and do not plan on doing any generic tours. I do feel like, from the feedback, that it wouldn't hurt to throw in an extra day for both Florence and Rome. I figure, even if two days in Florence is enough, I can always go see Pisa. Same with Rome - if I'm good with the city by the fourth day, I'll just truck on down to Pompeii. Oh, and I do plan on staying in the hill towns. Any other suggestions? Thanks!

Posted by
7737 posts

You're getting good advice. As for following one of Rick's tours, while not as "ambitious" as many other tours, they still take much too fast an approach for my taste. Try to spend at least two nights at each location, including hill towns. Almost invariably, when we've done two nights some place, we wish we had done three, including Orvieto. It's amazing, as can be seen in some of the photos I took in Orvieto in May of last year. As for being overwhelmed by Rome after 3 days, a friend of mine and his girlfriend went to Italy for their first time a couple of years ago. They decided to spend two weeks in Rome. They did get overwhelmed and wished they had gone to an additional place or two, but really enjoyed the first week in Rome. But again, it depends on the traveler. There's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to travel. Happy travels.

Posted by
11247 posts

My opinion on Rome is that it is truly overwhelming if you rush it. 4-5 nights is a good first taste. You are wise to go to your furthest point first, upon arrival. Maybe something like this to give you that city/countryside mix: Day 1: Land Rome, travel to Florence Day 2: Florence Day 3: Florence with possible daytrip to Siena. Rent a car when leaving Florence and tour some countryside and/or hilltowns on your way to the next destination Day 4: Orvieto or any other hill town that appeals to you Day 5: Orvieto or any other hill town that appeals to you Day 6: Rome Day 7: Rome Day 8: Rome Day 9: Rome Day 10: Rome ( Is this departure day?)
Day 11: Departure? Take your time in Rome. Don't try to "do Rome" as though you will never be back.

Posted by
3696 posts

Travel is so personal and different for everyone... but for me 3 days in Rome and 2 in Florence is enough. But, give me the Tuscan countryside and Venice and a lifetime would not be enough. If you have never been to Italy before and can't imagine coming back soon I would not give up Venice, even for a day. When I long for Italy, it is not the crowded cities of Rome and Florence, it is the small villages overlooking the vineyards and a little cafe... it all depends on which memories you want. I would probably try to fly into Rome and start there, work my way up and end in Venice with the flight home from there.

Posted by
10178 posts

I like to look at my trip planning considering the number of nights I will be in each place. If you stay 2 nights, it is equal to one full day, etc. I like that you are planning to leave Rome for last. I made the mistake of starting there and I found it noisy and chaotic. We were there 3 nights before heading to Tuscany, and I was happy to leave. I'm sure I will go back, and next time I will make it later in the trip when I am more well rested. Given the places you mentioned wanting to go, I would probably do something like this - Day 1 - land in Rome, take the train to Orvieto, spend the night. Day 2 - Pick up rental car and drive to a base in Tuscany. Spend 3 nights and do daytrips from there. I know an awesome Agriturismo just outside of Sienn. If you are interested in more information PM me. Day 5 - Drive to Florence. Drop your rental car at the airport and take the express bus from there into town. Spend 2 nights.
Day 7 - Return to Rome. Spend 4 nights. If I have miscounted your days or you want to spend only 3 nights in Rome, add the extra day to Tuscany. Have fun with your planning!

Posted by
38 posts

Teresa, I don't want to confuse you but here are my thoughts. You can't see all of Italy in 10 days and you could spend 10 days in any given place in Italy. It sounds like this is your first trip to Italy and there is so much to see and do. I would do the big three, Rome, Florence, and Venice. This would get you a feel for the country and prepare you for your next visit. You will go back...We have been eight times now and never get tired of the country. As soon as we leave we start thinking of the next trip. Years ago our travel agent said to us how can you go to Italy and not go to Venice. She was right. Another suggestion would be to fly into Rome and start there, go to Venice and end up in Florence or the other way and start and stay in Florence go to Venice and end in Rome. Less travel and more time to enjoy. Next trip do a City then rent a car and see Tuscany or somewhere else. First trip just relax and enjoy.

Posted by
11613 posts

Teresa, I agree with Michael. This is your trip, see what's important to you. I think if you stay in Florence for several days (your original plan), you can do a couple of hill town day trips (I would suggest Siena and Montepulciano). Orvieto can be a day trip from Rome. You can also get to Assisi from Rome or Florence. Cinque Terre would take a couple of days, if you decide to include that. If you love the idea of seeing and experiencing Rome and Florence, that's what you should do. I just got back from 12 weeks in Italy, I'd be happy to share tips if you are interested.