This is our first trip to Italy...We will be traveling in late October...Our plan is to start in Rome, spend time in Siena, Florence, CT, Assisi and then back to Rome. Give us some suggestions.
Posted by
Singapore
354 posts
hi Bob, yes, read the guidebook, read up on the sights, decide what are your must-sees and then plan your route. Check train schedules online at the Italian state railways site - www.ferroviedellostato.it or www.trenitalia.com, to help you plan your journeys between the towns and get a sense of how long each train journey will be. When searching for trains on the routes you want, don't enter your actual travel dates as the site doesn't allow you to check for trains more than a few weeks in advance. You can buy the tickets when you're in Italy.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15788 posts
I have to disagree.
From CT, it's maybe another hour on the train to Rome than to Milan. From Florence, the travel time is about the same to either. There really isn't any advantage to flying out of Milan, unless you want to add that area to your itinerary.
It will probably be easier to go from Rome to Assisi, then Florence, CT and back to Rome. I don't know where best to fit Siena in, but someone here will. Are you going to rent a car for part of your trip or do it all by train?
Posted by
Richmond, Ky, USA
278 posts
Bob, don't forget about the weather. It will be getting cool at that time of year. you might think about reversing and flying into milan. Just a note, late Oct is the end of the season, so there will be no grape harvest, tuscany will be a golden shade of brown because everything will be plowed for next year, and the olive harvest will be beginning. It is still very beautiful, but everyone will be busy with the olives. I loved it, but I want to see it in the spring when it is green. Have a great time! Jeff
Posted by
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
Hi Bob. I agree with Jeff that in late October, I would start up north & work my way south due to the weather. In my opinion, the CT is difficult to visit if the weather is rainy and in late October, you are more likely to encounter rain. Rainy weather isn't that big of an issue in places like Florence & Rome because there are so many indoor activities, museums, etc., but visiting a place like the CT is harder to do in rainy weather. We were there in mid-Sept last year and it rained 2 out of the 3 days we were there (and not light rain...heavy rain, thunder, lightning, etc.). It put a damper on the activities that I wanted to do (take the boats between towns, hike the trails, etc.). We ventured out one day in the rain and simply walked around Monterosso & we went back to our hotel completely drenched after only a few hours. Of course there's no way to know what the weather will be like in late Oct & I'm not saying don't visit the CT, but do take the weather into consideration in making your plans.
I also suggest that you plan a few day trips from Rome. Orvieto is a must see in my opinion. I would also visit Tivoli (Villa d'Este &/or Hadrian's Villa) & perhaps Ostia Antica if time permits.
If you will have a car while in Siena, you can also easily visit some of the other hill towns as day trips while using Siena as your base. Some of the towns that are particularly worthy are Volterra, San Gimignano, Pienza and Montepulicano. Without a car though, it would be much harder to visit these places.
Have a wonderful trip. You will love Italy!!
Posted by
OP
Kennesaw, Georgia, USA
32 posts
Thanks for all the suggestions...I have more for you all...We will be leaving Atlanta on the 12th of Oct. and returning on the 3rd of November...We will be meeting friends from Australia as they tour CT, Siena,and Assisi...We are not sure where we will meet...They will be leaving Rome for Australia on Oct. 30th...
What about boat tours? Hotels-2-3stars? Tours? Renting a car?
Bob
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
Bob, entire books have been written about what to see and do, where to stay, where to eat. You might be better off planning your trip by reading thru a book or two in order to get the big picture of all the things you can do as well as specifics on how to do them. I'd also recommend watching travel videos by Rich Steves, Rudy Maxa, Samantha Brown, etc because actually seeing the sights may help make up your mind. These shows are on the travel channel or PBS, and your local library may have DVDs. Or if you want to get guidance from a pro on how to start then Rick's company offers consulting at http://www.ricksteves.com/about/consulting.htm