50th Birthday Trip- need advice

I am thinking Venice, Florence and Amalfi Coast,

Not Rome?

Check out the "Itinerary" for this tour ---https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/italy/venice-florence-rome ---
to see what a sampling of these cities can be done..

You can do 3 nights each in Venice, Florence and Amalfi coast area, but you need to be in the departure city the night before your flight to Madrid

Where do you fly from to get to Madrid?

What day is the flight home? Hopefully July 5 or later.

We have not got our flights to Madrid yet, or our flights from Paris, because I'm so undecided.

Am I missing out not doing Rome this trip?? I thought it would be pretty crowded due to the time we are going. My husband does want to go, but I thought I’d rather go to Florence… open to ideas though!!

I was thinking Florence 3 days, Venice 2 and Amalfi Coast/Naples 4 days.

Also, this is a trip for just my husband and myself if that makes a difference.

Would you suggest something different?? I am open to other ideas. I really want to experience Italy and if anyone knows of anywhere that they have been I am open to suggestions.

The math is not mathing for me. You have 3 nights in Paris and then two nights at Disney not sure how you came up with leaving on the 24th when you don’t get to Paris till the 20th?
Also your first day I would not plan a lot. Jet lag is real. We went to Disney before a RS Paris tour with our kids. It was very interesting to see how different it was but still very cool

I can’t imagine going to Italy & not going to Rome but that is me. You should do what you want to do. Just spent the weekend finally working on my snap fish books for our last Italy trip which was mostly Rome. Daughter was studying there.

Have you considered a RS tour of Italy? It does give a lot of bang for your buck. Taking trains across Italy eats a good part of a day each time you move.

Thanks for replying. Sorry for the confusion, 2 days, probably more like 1.5 in Disney and leave the night of 24th or early flight 25th to Italy

I had not considered an RS tour…had to google what it is. I actually don’t know where to go. Would love to hear suggestions on what other people have enjoyed. My husband wants to hire a vacation planner which is how I landed in this site…so if anyone knows one I’m curious.

Thanks!!

I actually don’t know where to go...

You have plenty of time - I'd suggest you spend some time with a good Italy guidebook and see what appeals to you - it should be YOUR trip - the Rick Steves guidebook is excellent:

https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/italy-guidebook

You can also find it on Amazon as a download; you may be able to find it, as well as guidebooks from other publisher such as Lonely Planet or Rough Guides, at your library.

Since it's your first trip to Europe, you might also find this useful as a primer for travel:

https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/europe-through-the-back-door

There is also a great deal of information available here on the website:

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/italy

Finally, look at travel videos covering Italy on YouTube.

Good suggestions so far. It is unfortunate you're flying home from Madrid as that means backtracking from your stated interests. Do not fly to Madrid on the same day as your return flight to the US. That leaves too much chance for travel drama and if you miss your flight home it's on you to fix, not the airline. Arrive in Madrid the day before your flight at a minimum. Stay at an airport hotel if you don't want to see any of Madrid (which would be a shame, it's also a nice place to visit).

Every time you switch locations you lose about a half day to travel, which is why many recommend not moving around so much. Given the time of year, it's going to be the busy travel season in Europe, so you will need to book quite a bit ahead. You won't be able to avoid crowds if you plan to go to big cities, but those places are also equipped for tourists so it's not a reason to avoid Rome for example.

You cannot go wrong with any of your listed destinations, and it is YOUR birthday so pick where you want to go. But know that it is possible to bite off too much and end up having a frantic trip (which I suspect you would like to avoid). After you've done a bit more research, come back and create a new post with a specific itinerary for feedback. It is easier for people to give advice if you list dates, plans for each date (including travel), and the location you are planning to stay. This also helps you visualize the flow of your trip. For example (and this isn't a recommendation, just illustration of format):

• June 19 - flight from USA
• June 20 - arrive Paris 8 a.m., (stay in Paris Park Hyatt)
• June 21 - Paris (stay in Paris Park Hyatt)
• June 22 - a.m. train to Disney Paris, half day Disney (stay near park)
• June 23 - Disney Paris, afternoon train to CDG (overnight airport hotel)
• June 24 - morning flight CDG - xxx
• etc.
• July 4 - fly from xxx to Madrid (overnight Madrid airport hotel)
• July 5 - flight home USA

Have fun planning, half the fun!

Hi Melody -
Yes, you've gotten some very good suggestions! Specifically to some of your comments:

I actually don’t know where to go. Would love to hear suggestions on
what other people have enjoyed. My husband wants to hire a vacation
planner....

I really want to experience Italy and if anyone knows of anywhere that
they have been I am open to suggestions.

Italy is a good-sized country with a LOT of interesting corners. If all of the people who populate the RS Italy forum were to start throwing all of the places they enjoyed at you, you'd be more overwhelmed than you are right now! The list would be long as my arm! Maybe BOTH arms! :O)

As well, you're going to want to choose locations which offer activities and attractions which interest YOU. We can't really tell you where to go as we don't know anything about you! Same goes for a travel planner; they can only plan a great trip given insightful information you can give them to work with. As well, many 'planners' are just going to use the same online tools and books that the rest of us do. In fact, a fair amount probably have never set foot in Italy! So spending time with a couple of guidebooks is a good place to start.

As an example? You mentioned Florence but not WHY that one appeals? I'm really into art and architecture so it was a great choice for me but if you're afraid the Eternal City will be too busy, you're going to have the same issue In Florence. It's going to be very crowded + hot besides. Not really into Renaissance art? Maybe it's not the best choice for you. The Amalfi Coast will also be very busy, and their transportation systems can be overloaded, slow and frustrating to use (you do not want to drive.) I'm not sure it's the best choice for a first-timer but you might be fine with it.

First-timers often benefit from choosing their bases in transport hubs and in cities/towns well used to hosting tourists. There is a reason why the 'Holy Trinity" (Rome, Florence and Venice) is the choice of many travelers new to "The Boot". While all 3 are cities, they're very different and have unique histories, architecture and even food so it's not like if you've seen one, you've seen them all. All three have major rail stations with efficient 'fast trains' between them, and all 3 have airports. Given time enough, all three also offer nice day-trip opportunities to smaller towns just short and inexpensive distances away by rail.

So, we can make some suggestions if you tell us more about you and your husband, and what you think you'd like to get out of this trip. And go get those books, OK? They're going to help you drill down to the 3 (or even just two + day trips) locations that you're most likely to enjoy. Oh, and as you haven't booked your flight out of Madrid, I'd re-think that if you're not going to be spending time there anyway?

Less is more.

You have 14 nights. In Europe. That means 13 full days. You can see a bit on your arrival day, of course, but you’ll be jet lagged and it will take you an hour and a half or two to get from your plane to your hotel where it will be too early to check-in, but you can at least drop your bags.

Each day that you travel, you lose part of the day, unless the day is built around travel, such as a bike ride from Pisa up to Lucca in Italy.

So, if you fly from Paris to Florence you lose an hour or two for the flight plus two hours in airports, plus two hours for trains or taxis from your hotel to the airport at one end and then from the airport to town at the other end. 5 or 6 hours out of your day, not to mention checking-in and out and packing and unpacking.

Our first trip to Paris (2010) was for a full week. 7 nights, 6 full days, plus arrival and departure partial days. Versailles and Giverney were both on our list, but instead we chose to simply not leave Paris.

With the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Arc de Triomphe on you list, those three alone will be a full day. Versailles will be another full day. Even if you manage your cruise and Moulon Rouge shows on those 3 eves that you’re staying in Paris, you leave yourself little-to-no time to go to the Musee d’Orsay, to walk through any neighborhoods, to go to Notre Dame or St. Chapelle. To enjoy other sights like the Luxembourg garden or any of the smaller museums in Paris such as the Petit Palais, the Carnavalet, the Picasso or the Pompidou Center. Or to visit smaller gems like Maison Balzac or any of the passages couvertes. You will have no time to hear the organ in a church like St. Sulpice, or enjoy the views of Paris from Sacre Coeur and walk from there through Montmartre down toward the Moulin Rouge.

I suggest you spend some quality time with guide books. Not just RS, but also Moon, Lonely Planet, and DK Eyewitness. Look at the RS tours, as well as RS suggested itineraries. Bear in mind that when you travel on your own, you will not have the logistics and infrastructure in place to cover the same amount of ground as an RS tour that has been refined through the years and that has guides and bus travel and transfers all arranged. What you read yourself and see in guidebooks may give you a better view than the random, even if informed comments that you will get here.

I’d suggest one or at most two countries in 2 weeks. Our last two trips have been to parts of a single country in 30 days. (Western France in 2023 and southern Italy earlier this year). In 2018, we have managed 3 countries in 18 days, but 2 of those 3 involved single cities (4 nights in Prague, 4 nights in Vienna and then 11 nights in Croatia that included a wonderful “8 day” guided bike tour.)

Speaking of bike tours, consider the possibility of a “self guided” bike tour. (Far cheaper than guided) The company gives you maps, GPS, bikes (or e-bikes), reserves hotels at small and charming local hotels and arranged luggage transfers. They also are readily available by phone or “what’s app” for assistance. All you have to do is ride the bike, enjoy the sights (e.g., chateaux, churches, galleries and wineries) along the way and find a nice place for lunch from their suggestions or from what you see on the way.

One great resource that will show you many such rides and tours in France, from multiple vendors both French and international, is https://www.freewheelingfrance.com/. This past spring, we rode in Puglia, the heel of the Italian boot, through Puglia Cycle Tours: https://www.pugliacycletours.com/about-us/?_gl=1*5wyba4*_up*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5qL5xdynhwMVXM3CBB1-DQeREAAYASAAEgIlsvD_BwE

Just re-read your post. First, let me say welcome to the Forum.

Since you have roughly 10 days for Italy (or perhaps less), given your stated interests, stick with Florence, Venice and perhaps one other northern location such as Pisa or Bologna, or other smaller northern cities such as Padova or Verona. Trying to add the Amalfi Coast and Naples to a relatively short 10-day (or less) trip to Italy is a lot to take on for first time Euro-travellers - or even experienced ones.

Pisa and Bologna are quite accessible to Florence. Padova and Verona are quite accessible to Venice.

Perhaps fly home out of (or through) Milan, not Madrid, if possible.

Wow! Thanks for all the great replies! Sounds like I have a lot to consider that I had not previously. I really appreciate all of the insight.

One quick note about flying out of Madrid, my husband made me promise to fly business class for the long-haul flights. It is changeable if another deal comes up but I was kind of thinking we would be finishing in Amalfi/Naples and would have to either get to a bigger airport anyways so it didn’t seem that big of deal but I’m seeing with my timeline and desires, it may be.

I can’t think of a better way to spend the next year than looking forward to an amazing trip!

Happy Birthday! What an exciting way to celebrate, with your first trip to Europe!

You have plenty of time to plan and it is great that you are seeking help with ideas. It seems Paris and Paris Disneyland are your top priorities so that is a good place to start. But from there, I think your trip is too far flung for the amount of time you have. I think you need to sort through what your priorities are. Relaxation, small villages, city energy, water views, beach time, wine tastings, great food, local charm, history or art, etc. What speaks to you?

I think your current ideas will have you spending too much time traveling and not enough savoring, something has to give. Since you haven't booked your flights yet, I think the flight home from Madrid has to go. Sometimes letting a bargain dictate your trip ends up costing a lot more than you imagine and it will definitely waste time. You would have to get airfare to Madrid and pay for a hotel in a city you don't want to visit. Since you mentioned visiting Naples, nearby Rome could have a budget friendly flight. Also, you mentioned Business class for your flights, I love Business Class but going over is where it is really worth the investment, to try to get some sleep. Premium Economy is not bad coming home because you are traveling in the daytime.

Maybe after Paris fly to Venice, then fly to Naples, train to Rome, fly home from there? A nice blend of history, culture, shopping, cafes, canals, beaches and great food everywhere! The most important thing is that it is your trip. Your reaction to advice will help you know where your heart is and what is right for you. Enjoy!

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions. I have purchased the Italy book and have readjusted my thinking. Let me know what you think.

June 18th (evening or red eye) Seattle to Washington DC - I would like to be tired for our flight to Paris
June 19th mini exploration in DC lunch with a friend
6:45pm flight (business class, lay down seats) to Paris arrive 6/20 8:05am
6/20 - drop bags off at hotel
RS walking tour
Check in to room, rest
Possible night Seine River Cruise (depending on how we are feeling)
6/21 (busy day)
Louvre
Eiffel Tower
Arc d’ triomphe
Musee d’orsay
Moulin Rouge
6/22
Paris Disneyland (lodging on property)
6/23 Fly to Naples early afternoon
6/24-6/26 (Amalfi coast, undecided on where to stay)
6/27 train to Florence
6/27-7/1 Florence ( day trip to Siena, possibly Rome to see if it is somewhere we would like to come back to or maybe CT)
7/2 train to Venice
7/2-7/3 Venice
7/4 Venice to Paris.
11 hour layover to see anything we really wanted to see but did not have time, possibly Versailles but I’m not sure (bags will be checked all the way through to US) I shortened our time in Paris on first part of the trip because of this layover. I liked this option better than going to Madrid because I thought I could leave a few things out initially and still get a chance to do them if I really wanted to. I also shortened time at Disneyland Paris because as much as I love Disney, it actually is not the main focus of the trip and didn’t want to miss other things…
6:45pm flight home from Paris.

One question I have is if you think it would be better to spend a night in Rome and go to Florence the next day or the day trip. I’ve heard people’s opinions and read enough threads to understand most people love Rome. I’m just not sure that a big city is my preference.
open to suggestions! Thanks!

One question I have is if you think it would be better to spend a night in Rome and go to Florence the next day or the day trip.

In your case I think not staying one night in Rome may be the better choice. Making the day trip from Florence, if you find you have time, saves you one in/out of a hotel and one whole day may be better than 2 part days.

If your flight from Venice to Paris is a separate ticket from the Paris to Home flight, then you will have to deal with the luggage yourself. You will way less than 11 hours to fill between flights. You would have to retrieve you bags, find a place to store them. (Unlikely you could check them with the next airline that far ahead). Add bag retrieval time and the 3 hours for passport processing, security and getting to your gate and you have ~3 hours left to tour, after allowing an 90 minutes each way from the airport to Versailles.

I have not been to Versailles so hopefully someone who has can comment on how long it takes to get from the train station, through the entry lines and actually IN and touring. Looks like a 'wear your track shoes' kind of day.

I wouldn't count on that much sightseeing time on that Paris layover. Even if your flight from Venice to home is on a single ticket and you don't have to deal with luggage storage, it could take an hour from plane till you're on a train. And you need to be back at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. Leaving 7 hours. But it takes at least 1.5 hours each way just to get there and back. Closer to 2 hours including the 15 minute walk each way to the Chateau entrance and waiting for the next train. Leaving only 3 hours for Versailles. Which is really an all day thing. And did I mention the need for an advance purchase timed ticket and the long security lines at the entrance?

It would be better to have that full day in Paris at the beginning of your trip.

It's also unclear what you plan to do in Naples with that 1 evening/night stay. Why not continue on to your AC stop?

You might want to read up on the difficulties of flying out of Venice. Many flights are early morning, which can present problems if you need to get to the airport in the early hours. It may make life easier if you flipped your itinerary. Fly from Paris to Venice, then ho to Florence, then the AC, and spend your last night in Naples, flying home from there.

6/21 (busy day)

An understatement? The Louvre can be a major time suck - d'Orsay is more compact, and you will see more great art in a shorter timespan - plus the building itself is amazing. As for l'Arc de Triomphe - it may be enough to view from the street as part of your evening stroll down Champs-Élysées. You need time to experience Paris from the street.

As for Italy, a north to south route may work better - and I think one night in Rome wouldn't hurt between Florence and Naples/Amalfi - or save Rome to the end and fly out from there.

Why the need to fly back to Paris? Are you still trying to use miles?

Thanks again.

Flying on the same ticket, so bags can be checked all the way through to US. We are using miles to fly, so trying to balance being able to get home (Seattle) in a certain time period. Found a great deal from Venice and want to visit there so tried to balance it with the trip I want. I know I could wait and prices usually drop, but not leaving that to chance so that is where we are.

Do you think I can cut a day off Amalfi Coast and not stay in Naples? I was trying to not do too much so thought that would be good. Maybe the option would be fly to Rome stay there and then go to Amalfi? If not, Where should I add that other night if we don’t stop in Naples?