At present have the best of the Adriatic booked for September the 6th -- 14 days. Thinking of combining with the Best of Venice, Florence and Rome (9 days) afterwards. Or --instead do the Heart of Italy (11 days) for the second leg. On the "Best of.." tour Cinque Terre is not seen - about the only one I would care about. On the 3 city tour there is 3 nights at each- which I like. What kind of makes me hesitate is the price on the last tour is $700 higher on September the 21st than on August 24th. I assume the higher price is because of the desirability --smaller crowds and historically more moderate temperatures. Am I missing something else? Which of the two Italy trips regardless of costs do you like? Can also extend my stay by 2 or 3 days at the end. On the "Best of .." tour that would be Venice. On the "Heart of ..." tour that would be Florence. Maybe public transportation to Cinque Terre for a day from Florence? That I have not researched yet. Hopefully I did not confuse everyone as much as I did me. Appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.
Posted by
Atlanta
2499 posts
Hrmeroar,
Because Venice Florence Rome have 3 nights for each city, I think you would get more out of this tour. Cinque Terre is fairly easy to access from Rome. It would give you a relaxing ending to your Italian adventure.
Also, I think you will be glad you avoided August and the heat in Italy 🇮🇹.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14199 posts
I’ve not done the Adriatic tour but I see it has 3 one-nighters. For that reason I might choose V,F,R with one less hotel change that HOI.
However, I did HOI as my first RS tour and really enjoyed the diversity. You’d have 2 lower key stops in Volterra and CT.
Posted by
7867 posts
I've been to Italy many times and to me the big three cities are Venice, Florence and Rome.
Rome deserves more than three nights. Cinque Terre is a neat collection of fishing villages, but without the major history and art of the big three. Cinque Terre reminds me more of the Amalfi Coast.
Posted by
Ohio
1517 posts
After going on the Adriatic tour, I think CT will be a let down. I haven't been on the Adriatic coast, but I have been to CT. To me, CT seemed just like an Italian Key West. If you want more coastal views on your trip, I would just stay longer on the Adriatic and then visit the more historical cities in Italy. YMMV.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14199 posts
“CT seemed just like an Italian Key West.”
Oh my word Vandabrud!!! This made me literally laugh out loud! Thanks for the laugh!
Posted by
Wisconsin
555 posts
I laughed out loud, too, but totally disagree (CT and Key West). Admittedly, experience with both is several years old. :)
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16894 posts
Note that the Heart of Italy tour is also 9 days, not 11, starting in Venice and ending in Rome. Yes, August tours are discounted and September higher because the heat and crowds make August a less popular travel time on average in this region.
While I sometimes think it's a shame to see just the three bigger Italian cities without some small-town charm in the mix, you will have small towns on the Adriatic tour, as well as the coastal experience. From that perspective, the Adriatic and V-F-R could combine into a good balance. You should plan to fly between the countries; see www.skyscanner.com. Rome has more flights from Dubrovnik, but Venice has some in September, not operating every day.