Hello. I have a few (probably more) questions about planning an upcoming first trip to Italy. We will be taking a cruise that goes from Ravenna to Civitavecchia early October. We would like to spend time pre- and post-cruise in Venice, Florence and Rome. I’m thinking we would fly into Venice, spend three or four nights there; take a train to Florence for three or four nights; take a train to Ravenna a day or two before boarding ship. After the cruise, we would spend four or five nights in Rome before flying home.
Does the order of cities pre-cruise and flying into Venice make sense?
I have not booked airfare but check it regularly. Is there a “sweet spot” of when airfare may be better than it is today? When I checked online, AI said 3 to 5 months out, but I prefer to hear from actual people that have experience flying to Italy. This may be too specific of a question, but….if anyone has an idea of what a “reasonable” airfare (from basic to business class) would be from and to Southern California, I would appreciate it.
I apologize for the long post, but you all have a wealth of information. Thank you!