Booked Twelve Nights in Rome - Considering Two in Florence

Yvette, is this your first trip to Italy? Are you two fairly mobile? If so, think about spreading your time more evenly between at least the "big three " of Rome, Florence and Venice.

I take nothing away from the idea of spending 12 days in Rome if that is your desire. There is PLENTY to see there!

Thank you for the feedback everyone.

This is indeed my first trip to Italy (or anywhere outside the U.S. for that matter). We were recently married, and it will be just the two of us which will help with mobility. Although this will be my first trip abroad, I do know that I prefer to spend more time in less places rather than vice versa.

My biggest debate after reserving the hotel in Rome was whether to cancel some of the hotel nights there, or to just keep them but happily spend some nights in Florence, or wherever we may decide to go besides Rome. I do like the idea of having a home base though, and of not hopping around TOO much.

Why not consider 3 nights in Sorrento. Very easy to get there from Rome via train, or even a bus from Tiburtina station.

Capri is a great day trip from Sorrento, as is the Amalfi coast towns. Pompei is also a good excursion.

Depends a lot, Yvette, on one's preferences. Firenze's art and history and culture is AMAZING. Knowing both cities, Roma & Firenze, for my tastes, Firenze is an easier city to get comfortable in, to navigate, to get your mind around, and to explore. Certainly there are things in Roma--the Coliseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican, for instance--that are must-sees that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet, but with 12 nights, I'd spend at least four of them in Florence, including Brunelleschi's Dome, the Uffizi, Michelangelo's David at the Accademia, a hike up to Piazzele Michelangelo for the stunning city views, shopping, dining, and even, perhaps, a day trip via bus (1 hr) to Siena. My blog (address by name) has itineraries for Rome and Florence, as well as hotel recs. Buon viaggio!

In either case, whether you decide to branch out south (Naples, Sorrento, etc.) or north (Orvieto, Siena, Florence, etc.), you can easily subtract a few days from Rome without feeling rushed there.

I do not think that it is silly to keep the room in Rome and spend a few nights elsewhere. Not sure what kind of deal you did get, but it may be likely (or at least I would have asked) that there may be a discount or favored rate for a stay that long. I may have also considered an apartment, but that's water under the bridge. The nice thing about keeping the room, is that anything you buy, as well as extra items can be left in the room while you travel about. When my wife and I have a "Home Base" like that, for a short excursion we pare down to one bag, travelling very light.

i would ABSOLUTELY spend the couple days in Florence. There is alot to see in Rome but I don't think you will feel rushed even given the few days in Tuscany. I enjoy time in Florence more than Rome to be honest. Maybe a two night trip to Capri or Pompeii would be another option you were interested in. I would not miss the chance to spend a night or two in Florence though (and try to see something else in tuscany like Pisa or Sienna)

I would suggest checking the cancellation policy at your hotel in Rome. If you can cancel some of the days closer to the time, keep the room for now. Also, make another reservation for a few nights in Florence before it's too late to get a reasonable rate. July will be busy. Check that cancellation policy too. Then you can cancel whichever you want after you have time to make up you mind for sure what you want to do. Florence is really wonderful, by the way.

Logistically it might be better to see if your hotel in Rome can change your reservation to the 15th thorugh the 24th. When you arrive in Rome go directly to the Termini (main train station) using the Leonardo Express which is a commuter train from the airport to Termini. Take an ES rapido to Florence. Settle into your hotel then take the Renaissance walking tour in the Rick Steves book. On the Following day you can see the Duomo, (either the Bargello or San Marco which are open on alternating Mondays) stroll to the Oltrano and up to Piazzle Michelangelo for the stunning views of Florence. On Tuesday you could see the Uffizi and or the Academia (get reservations through your hotel in Florence when you book the hotel. If the museums aren't that important to you you could take the Sita bus to Siena for the day instead or do one museum in Florence then take the bus to Fiesole for the afternoon. Take the train back to Rome and enjoy the rest of your trip.

I returned from Italy in November and would have to say that I had a FAR better time in Florence and Tuscany than in Rome. Rome is full of culture and the ruins of course, but way too crazy in MY opinion. Florence has such wonderful art and the wine in Tuscany is beyond great. Very relaxing and SO beautiful! Remember that it will be hot hot!

I would spend at least one more night in Florence and maybe even a night in one of the hilltowns such as Siena or Lucca before heading back to Rome. That still leaves 8 nights in Rome.

With 12 nights in Rome,you could certainly travel outside Rome for a few nights and still have more than ample time without feeling rushed. But what I don't understand is if you chose to take off a few days,why keep the room in Rome empty and paid for? Could you not check out, go to Florence (or wherever) a few nights and reserve your last night back in rRome and return prior to departing the next day? I think I am missing something. You will have a fantastic time wherever you end up...it's all amazing and wonderful!

Meg, I thought I was reading a post from my long-lost twin or something. I completely agree, but I do understand that lots of people love Rome. I loved Rome too, but not the way I loved Florence. I'm going back to Florence this year, not going back to Rome and may never. Yvette, you may really want a break in the middle of 12 days in Rome. If you want to keep the hotel open for whatever reason, that's of course up to you, but I do think a break partway through would be an excellent idea, and Florence would be a most excellent place to do that (although, 2 nights isn't NEARLY enough time there!!)

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