11 nights...5 places...do you suggest backpack?

WOW - that's a daunting itinerary. Seems like you may be spending a lot time "traveling" whether by train or car - or both. Any chance you can rein some of that back? I'd hate to see you spend 2-3 of your 11 days on trains...

Having said all that (I'll get off my pulpit) and ask for some clarifications. What time of year are you traveling? Are you traveling with kids, partner, etc.? Are you planning on taking anything back with you that you purchase in Italy? Are you planning to WASH clothes as you go (I've done this often to lighten my load!)? Are you going to hike in the CT? What will be your primary mode of transportation?

Okay, with that background I'm sure the folks here (and maybe I) can make some great recommendations for you!

Ok...here is our itinerary....
D1:Arrive in Rome at 2pm.
D2:colluseum, forum etc.
D3:Vatican,StPeters.
D4:train to vernazza (945am-228pm).
D5:hike towns.
D6:trian to florence (934am-1233). rent car. drive to montalcino.
D7:wine tour.
D8:explore tuscany.
D9:drive to florence, return car. tour city. D10:train to venice.
D11:venice.
D12:home, leave at 12:15pm.

We will be going in October, I am travelling with my husband. I do not want to hand wash clothing on the trip, but we will be able to use the washer/dryer at the agriturismo in Montepulciano. I would like to take back wine or olive oil, but im not sure this is practical. We will hike in CT.

Thanks!

I recommend the Rick Steves classic Back Door bag..it's extremely light (less than 3 lbs), has shoulder straps so you can carry it like a back pack, or zip them inside and carry it like a soft suitcase. Or you could upgrad to the wheelie model that is a little more expensive and weighs about 7 lbs. I've carried my classic all over Europe, in train stations, up and down the many stairs of the small stations and of course carried on for all of my flights (and never worried about losing my luggage).

A backpack will be so much more convenient for you...trust me, I've done both and the kind of trip you're going on (multiple destinations, frequent train travel) calls for a backpack. You won't regret it!

My first trip to Europe was a wonderful marathon of a sightseeing adventure. My wife and two children ages 5 and 7, an itrepid bunch, traveled by backpack to five countries and 10 cities via rail in three weeks. We slept on overnight trains and in hotels. The answer to your question is backpack. Pack light. If you really need something, purchase it along the way. The best way to determine the proper pack, is to go to a sports store. Try on several packs to determine your comfort level. The destinations you mention are easy via rails. Have the best of time.

Julia

Ditto to Bill and Ron's comments. We did 12 days in Italy & France last fall and I bought Rick's new "Convertible Bag" ($99), which I highly recommend. Better than the "classic" because it expands three inches as needed and has an extra "easy access" side zipper for your computer, etc. When mine arrived, my wife was so impressed with it that she ordered one for herself and loved it. Easy for train travel, which you will do a lot of, where the rolling bags are a real pain. By the way, if you get your railpass from Rick you will get a 20% discount for a one-time purchase at his travel store, and also a "worth its weight in gold" Travel Tips DVD that is both entertaining and very informative. Spend the money on the back pack, you won't regret it. I still use mine all the time.

One comment:

One day is not enough for Florence, we were there four. Academia, Uffizi, The Duomo, etc. You can't even scratch the surface in a day.

Good luck and have the trip of a lifetime.

I like the backpack, especially for public transport. A rolling bag adds five pounds to your load and is only useful some of the time. I use my convertible carry on for business and pleasure travel.

Having said that, my wife prefers the roll-on. Our last trip was a month with three kids and a leased car. The two boys took roll-ons, the 8 year old girl took a largish (3000 cc) daypack only. No one complained about their choice.

In terms of spending money - if you travel regularly and get something you really like, it will be a bargain over time.

Sounds like a great trip Julia! I would definitely recommend travelling using a backpack. I have used a backpack several times and my husband and I have found it the easiest way to get our stuff around. There are lots of cobblestones in Italy and rolling suitcase don't do very well on them! We have found that a backpack allows you to move around easier. Have a great trip!

Thanks everyone! I just ordered the RS convertible back pack, my husband is going to decide if he will order the same once he sees mine.

Julia
Travel Pro luggage has had a great combo backpack and rolling bag that I use when I travel in Europe. It has plenty of room and gives me the option of backpacking or pulling which can be a real advantage. I got mine at a discount store like TJ Maxx for under $ 60.00. I feel sure there are some other brands making a similar combo bag.
Just a note, you are spending a lot of time "traveling" according to your itinerary. If you can consolidate two or more locations and do "day trips" from a hub you will be less tired and have more time to visit rather than "travel".
Buona Fortuna!!