5 days Italy itinerary suggestions

Too short--skip Cinque Terre

Ciao, Allison. When do you think summer will actually come to Chicago? Like you, we've decided to seek summer in Italy, instead, this year! I have to agree with Evelyn: 5 days is not enough time. I would do two nights in Florence, Sunday and Monday, maybe take the bus to Siena from Florence Tuesday early (1 hour), visit Siena a bit as a day trip, and then catch the bus to Roma (3 hours). With about four or five hours to visit Il Campo, et al in Siena, you could be in Roma in time to check-in, have a late dinner, and plan your two full days in Rome before departure. Keep in mind that on Monday, there will be some museum closings in Florence, but the town itself is magical. Just book museum plans for Sunday, not Monday. More info about hotels, restaurants, etc. available on my Italian travel blog (just copy the address from under my name on this post). Buon viaggio!

Hi Allison,

Gio's suggestion is a good one--here's another option to consider:

Both the Accademia (Michaelangelo's David) and the Uffizi Gallery are closed on Monday. I'd at least make it a priority to see David on Sunday--maybe the Uffizi if you're interested. Then, spend the day resting up from your overnight train trip and strolling around the city.

I'd consider heading for Rome on Monday and spend your last 4 nights there will a possible day trip to Orvieto.

I appreciate all the suggestions! We were unsure as to how much time to anticipate spending in places so this is helpful. Thanks!

As Sharon suggested, I'd stop in Orvieto on the way to Rome--either as a several hour stop or overnight. It's a charming hill town and an easy stop. Have fun making memories!

Prior advise is all good. With five days, the heat of August, and the crowds which will slow you down. two Florence and three Rome is about the best you can do. Monday closing is the most frequent pattern.

One hard part about giving advice is we don't know what kind of traveller you are or what interests you. Some people can do Paris as a day trip, others savor days at a time and keep returning.

So here's what I'd do if it were me: Sunday see David and the Uffizi, with time to walk around and shop at the outdoor markets. Monday climb the Duomo, enjoy strolling around town, coffee, maybe shop for something nice made of leather. Leave early Tue and stop at Orvieto for a few hours, get to Rome by 4 or 5pm. I'd have arranged for a guided twilight walk from one of the companies Rick recommends (one of the best things I've done in Rome), and have Thu left for sightseeing. Don't plan much on Fri; you should be at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight, add travel time to the airport and there's not a lot of free time left that day.

Thanks again for all the thoughtful suggestions. I think we are more of the 'day tripping' type so we might be able to spend less time in certain places. Is there anything in particular anyone would recommend to see or do in Orvieto?

Orvieto - Definitely visit the Duomo and pay the entrance fee to see the Chapel which is also included in the city's Carta Unica pass (which I recommend if you're going to be touring a number of the covered sites).

Also just enjoy wandering around the town which is charming and has lovely views of the countryside. Some of our favorite moments were wandering through the city park and back alleys of the town.

We just got back from Italy - and loved, loved, loved Orvieto!! We stopped there on our way from Rome to Florence and had about 7 hrs (maybe??) to wander.

The Duomo is beautiful. The story behind the blood from the bread was interesting.

The Underground Tour was interesting and we've actually talked about what we learned while on it in several different context since then, which was a surprising plus.

The well is very cool. My kids (12, 10, 8) think that was one of the best parts of the trip.

Everything else was just icing. Wonderful little town; we loved our time there.

Florence - you have to climb the Duomo. It puts the physical-ness of how they built it into perspective. And of course the view is amazing :-) Get your reservations to see David b/c the line truly is enormous. Search for the Accademia phone number on this site b/c the one in the RS book is off by a number. You don't pay when you call so if your plans change you're not out any money.

Out of Rome we daytripped to Tivoli (Villa d'Este), the Appian Way and rode bikes, out to Ostia Antica. I think our daytrips were our favorite actually.

Have a wonderful time!!