Hello, My husband and I just booked a trip to Italy and we will be arriving in Rome June 19. We fly out of Venice June 29. I took a group of students to Rome for a week 2.5 years ago (with a day trip to Florence thrown in). Hubby has never been to Italy. I have some thoughts on itinerary and would like some suggestions please. :) We have a total of 10 nights: Rome - 3 nights
Florence - 2 nights (or, maybe stay somewhere near Florence for longer and day trip into Florence) CinqueTerre (or somewhere away from things) - 3 nights Venice - 2 nights (which could really even be 1 night for me - all I really want to do there is a gondola ride!) We are looking to have both time in the city, and time away from it all - would be happy with a smallerish village for a few nights. The only thing I don't like about my above itinerary is moving so much. I don't feel the need to stay long in Rome since I've been before and my husband isn't as interested in Rome as I am. I do really want to see Florence again, but don't feel the need to stay in Florence, therefore would be ok staying outside Florence and daytripping in once or twice. However, June 24 is a big holiday in Florence - fireworks, parade, soccer in costumes - could either be a ton of fun or a nightmare that I'd want to avoid! Anyone been there at that time? Thanks for any advice you can give! Robin P.S. Thinking about booking at the Hotel Smeraldo recommended in Rick's books. I love the Pantheon area. Anyone stayed there?
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32929 posts
There's so much more to Venice than a Gondola ride. Just stroll and get lost ... but I will not try to convince you to change what looks like locked down plans. (no really, I won't) (really) I think it generally looks like a good, if fast, trip to Italy. If you are trying to get a room at a RS recommended place in 3 weeks you'd better get on the stick.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11367 posts
Robin: In my opinion, you are moving too much for a 10 day trip. You know it too! You said it! :-) Give yourself permission to skip something and enjoy the places you do settle on. I don't feel the need to stay long in Rome since I've been before and my husband isn't as interested in Rome as I am. - Skip Rome. You've been and he doesn't care. Go directly from the airport to Florence. - Spend 4 nights in Florence or nearby. (I hear Fiesole is great, but have never stayed there.) You clearly have a passion for Florence. Feed your passion and daytrip to some other places too, but settle in for 4 nights and soak it up! - 3 nights CT - perfect!
- 3 nights Venice and here's why: It will take you most of one day to get there from the CT, so you will really only have two full days in the city. It is more amazing than you can imagine! As Nigel said, there is so much more to Venice than a gondola ride. If it's good weather, go to Murano or even Burano and Torcello for one day. If you like museums, they've got 'em, but you can fill two days completely without walking into a museum if you prefer. So many highlights I can't list them all, but the city itself is the star! Be sure to buy a vaporetto pass. It will save you some serious $$. Best of luck with lodging. That will be a bit of a challenge at this late date, so be flexible and adventurous! You will have a glorious time!
Posted by
OP
Walnut Creek
51 posts
Thanks for the suggestions - much appreciated. I get the feeling you all think we should stay in Venice longer! ;) Will share this with hubby. I may be back with more questions! Robin