I'll be traveling to Italy for about 3 1/2 weeks this October and November. We originally wanted to fly open jaw into Milan and out of Rome or vice versa. However, we are using mileage tickets and were only able to get a flight into Paris on October 17th and out of Milan on November 11th. We have decided to fly from Paris, after spending three days there, to either Venice and work south or fly to Naples and work north. I was originally thinking that starting in the north and working south would afford us better weather but I realize the unpredictability of that. If we worked south and ended in Naples it looks like there's a high speed train that would take up back to Milan in 5 hours or so. I'm kind of leaning towards flying from Paris to Naples for efficiences sake but would appreciate any advice. Here is our rough itinerary so far: 3 nights in Paris Fly from Paris to Naples-Head to Sorrento 4 nights Sorrento 4 nights Rome 3 nights Siena 3 nights Florence 3 nights Cinque Terre 3 nights Venice
1 night Milan before flying home Thanks for any input you might have!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23461 posts
Looks reasonable. Weather is always unpredictable so you cannot assume that one approach is better than another. Not sure I would spend four night in Sorrento. Since I have spent about three weeks total in Rome over the years, you know my preference. Need to pick a town in CT and maybe add the fourth night. It is a nice place to relax at the end of long trip.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11466 posts
Angela,
If this is your first Italy, trip, it's a great overview without moving ridiculously fast. We have spent time in both October and December in Italy, and even Venice in December was quite tolerable for someone from the Pac NW! Seriously, we had little rain! Just wear layers as you may find it frigid but clear one day in Venice, but be in shirtsleeves in Sorrento. Personally I would not go to the CT past mid-October. I think the chances of rain are too great. And there's precious little to do there when it rains. Add a day each to Rome and Venice and Paris instead. Sorrento for 4 days there's plenty to do. We spent a week there in December and kept very well entertained. Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15668 posts
I agree. You are going to be in Italy too late in the year to plan to spend the time in the CT. I would add at least one more day to Paris. You are probably going to be tired after the long-haul flight and jetlagged, so your first day won't be very effective. In any case Paris deserves 4-5 days. You could add a day to Rome and/or Sorrento. Or you could spend a day or two in Verona between Venice and Milan. Verona is one of my favorite towns.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
545 posts
Personally, I'd skip Cinque Terre and possibly Sorrento because these are both "out-doors" destinations and the weather in October and November is not reliable for beach and hiking activities. I'd also reduce the time in Siena. If you've never been to these cities, I'd add time to Paris and Rome, and add another smaller town such as Orvieto.
Posted by
OP
Snohomish, Washington, USA
8 posts
Thanks for the responses everyone! I have been to Paris before and was not planning on going this trip so I think I will stick with the 3 days there. I lived in Germany for two years but never made it to Italy! I have to admit I was on the fence about staying in CT in November so we may pass on it this trip, thanks to your input. We'll be using Sorrento as a base for Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, and probably one long day down to Paestum. I could probably easily spend more time there even if it rains. Being from the Seattle area you have to plan on doing outside things in the rain! Doesn't bother us. We may add a day to Venice and Rome and we'll be day tripping from Sienna to other Tuscan towns. Thanks for the advice so far!
Posted by
Long Beach, CA, USA
359 posts
I would also suggest skipping CT this trip I would add a night to Rome, Florence and Venice
the trip sounds great
Posted by
Central Connecticut, USA
1103 posts
You could consider visiting Siena as a day trip from Florence.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15668 posts
I was in Sorrento last month, and the weather was mostly not so nice. But Sorrento was wonderful anyway and at a time of year when the locals outnumber the tourists. All the shops, restaurants, etc. were open. Since you are willing to drop the CT and you don't want extra time in Paris (I don't care how many times you've been there - are you SURE you don't want another day or two :-). . . do take a look at Verona. You could easily stay 2 nights between Venice and Milan and there are enough sights to fill 2 days. (see Verona Card - http://www.comune.verona.it/turismo/veronacard_accessi.htm)