First time poster but I've been reading up a lot! This trip will take place October 8-23 and I already have plane tickets booked, flying into Venice and out of Rome. I want to know if anyone on here has done an itinerary similar to mine alone, and if you thought it was rushed, enough time in each place, etc. I know staying in 5 places is a lot, but I get bored being in the same place for more than 3 or 4 days. I also realize a lot of people will say "skip CT" but it's high on my list and I am really looking forward to my cliffside rental in Riomaggiore. I also can't bear the thought of skipping Eurochocolate, after planning the timing of my trip around this, but I don't know what to cut out. I thought about skipping Florence this trip...but is that sacrilege? Or will I get more than my fill of art at The Vatican and Borghese? It's hard enough knowing I don't have time for Siena, Bologna, Sicily, or Ravenna! Thank you so much for your tips! 1. Land in Venice 3 pm 2. Venice 3. Venice 4. Leave Venice noon, Arrive CT 6 pm 5. CT 6. CT 7. Arrive Florence by 2 pm 8. Florence 9. Florence, Evening train to Assisi 10. Assisi - explore, nature walks 11. Perugia Eurochocolate festival, train to Rome 12. Rome - Ancient Rome 13. Rome - Vatican City 14. Rome - Borghese/Cappuchin Crypt
15. Rome - Ostia Antica/wandering 16. 8 am flight home
Posted by
Spokane, WA, USA
58 posts
This trip looks fantastic! I am sorry I can't answer your question from experience, but we have the same trip in reverse (with the exception of Perugia) planned for Sept. 2012. Enjoy!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Looks pretty good to me. I assume you know that October is not the prettiest time for the CT, but it sure will be less crowded. Happy travels.
Posted by
OP
Austin, TX
48 posts
I've heard the CT is crowded even until October, but I'm going in the middle of the week so that should help. And if it does rain, it sounds like the higher trails don't close, and that it doesn't rain for long.
Posted by
Campbell River, Canada
361 posts
Hi Kevan, I like your itinerary, only you know what your interests are but it seems well balanced to me. Re: CT in October, we were there in late Sept(RS tour) just after a storm and the seas were very rough; returned there 3 weeks later, approx Oct. 16 and it was sunny, warm and the seas were calm so I woudn't worry about the weather. Anything can happen but that's the fun of travel. Go for it! Ciao, Sherry
Posted by
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
115 posts
We were in the CT mid October 2008 and had fantastic weather - mid 70's, beautiful blue skies and not too many people. We also stayed in Riomaggiore and loved it. Enjoy your fantastic trip!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11287 posts
Great job Kevan! We loved the CT in early October. May you have good weather as we did. Regarding Florence, we skipped it precisely because we felt we'd get our "fill" of museums elsewhere. I am a big fan of in situ art so pursued more churches and public installations. You might enjoy adding time in Assisi and even adding a night to Venice. (We spent 4 nights and would have loved having one more day there.)
Posted by
Huntington Beach CA
1113 posts
Your itinerary looks great, the key is spending at least 2 nights in 1 spot which you have done. It will still feel like you're packing up and moving around alot but it at least gives you 1 full day and maybe 2 half days in each city depending on your arrival and departure time. If you were to skip a city, I agree with skipping Florence and adding a night in Assisi and any of the other big cities. In my first trip to Italy last year, Florence made the least impact to me. I may give Florence another chance in the future but I could just skip it as well!
Posted by
OP
Austin, TX
48 posts
Thanks for the tips everyone! I think I will stick with my plan to stay in 5 places, it's too irresistible not to see as much as possible since I'm young (23) and have only been to Spain, as far as Europe goes. I may try and squeeze in Pisa, but have heard such contradicting opinions of how touristy it's become... I have already begun thinking about where I will go on my 2nd trip, hopefully with a romantic companion by my side...thus why I'm skipping wine country and Amalfi on this trip. But Venice sounds like a photographer's paradise! I'm staying in Dorsoduro in a lovely guesthouse, can't wait!