12 days in Italy... where else to go?

Where city are you flying home from? I think this should be what helps to determine those extra days.

Since you will only have an extra day or 2, which you will also need to account for travel time, you might want to consider adding an extra day to Rome and/or Florence. Those 3 cities are the majors and I'm certain you will not be lacking in things to do or see, especially if it is your first time.

Cherry - you're on the right track to find a place that will give you a chance to slow down and just enjoy a small village or seaside experience. All of your planned destinations will be extraordinary experiences and also intensely demanding of all your senses - thrilling! In June, my husband and I did Rome, Assisi, Florence in that order. The one day/overnight in Assisi was a charming, peaceful, restful 24 hour excursion in a timeless Umbrian village with breathtaking views and landscapes. The best of our 300 photographs are from Assisi.

There are so many village experiences to choose from and part of deciding where to go will be timing. At what point during the 12 day trip do you think you'll need to power down? From that location to the next destination, see what's easily traveled to that offers the experience you seek. Is it between Florence and Venice? Where is your departure airport? Tuscany will be best done in the time between Rome and Florence.

Hope this helps!

Another nice option might be Ravenna, about 2 or 3 hours south of Venice. It is a great place to relax.

For the weather, you'll probably want to bring a sweater or light jacket. And perhaps a small purse sized umbrella :) November has the most rain historically.

Hi Cherry, My suggestion would be to add on the hilltown, Orvieto. It is an easy 1 hour train ride from Rome. We traveled thoughout Italy and I have to say, that village was one of my very favorites. It has so much charm and beauty and has more to offer than just wine. It would be a nice break from the hectic pace of the larger cities that are on your itinerary.

I would visit Orvieto one day (very easy stop just an hour north of Rome en route to Florence). I would visit Siena for one day - either spend the night or it's just an hour bus ride from Florence so you could do a day trip. We loved both places! We loved Cinque Terre but were there in June so not too sure about weather in late fall. I'm guessing it's chilly.

Linda, didn't even read your post on Orvieto. I totally agree she should go to Orvieto too. Loved it there!

Orvieto! Easy access and more reliable weather. We stayed at La Magnolia (see RS book) Serena is great as is the very central location and price of 65 euros. Ask for a back room with a beautiful fresco ceiling. Best bathroom in 24 days. Her brothers' cafe below is perfect for aperitifs and people watching. There's a farmers market

Having just returned from 11 days in Italy (plus 3 in Paris), I agree that the Tuscan hill towns would be a really nice break from the big cities. We stayed about 3.5 days in Siena, and during two of those days we rented a car and strung together visits to several hill towns, including Cortona, Montepulciano, Pienza and San Gimignano. Siena was a good, central "home base" for exploring Tuscany -- not really a small town, but a very charming place nonetheless.

I will chime in with a vote for Orvieto as well. Siena too is a nice relaxing town and if you are really eager to move around and see things you could even see Lucca. But I would start with Orvietto and Siena - both real nice places to enjoy some down time and enjoy small towns.

If you are flying home from Milan then Como would be good.

Cherry, we did somewhat what you did but I'd shave a day off of Florence and tack it on to Siena. Rent a car in Siena and use a day to travel the hill towns. Here's what we did:

day 1: travel
Venice: 2 days
Florence: 2 days
Siena: 2 days
Rome: 4 days
day 12: travel

In hindsight I would have only spent 1 full day in Florence and tack that day on to Siena. We felt the only thing in Florence was the Uffizi and Academia and we did both of those in one day.

a great stop is assisi. you can take the train from rome to assisi. stay a day and night there and then catch the train the next day to florence. its an easy trip and a great city. very scenic and relaxing. its a huge contrast to the hustle and bustle of rome.