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Direction of travel, for first time to Italy

Hello,
This is our first time going to Italy. We are 58 yo, and 61 yo active people. We enjoy art, museums and religious sights. We also really enjoy outdoors, hiking, and exploring off the main path. Our question is which direction to plan our trip - either starting in Milan, and leaving from Rome. Or starting south in Rome, leaving Milan. We're traveling at the end of June.

Our general plan: ( written North to South)

Milan 2 night, see the Duomo, and Last Supper

Florence 4 nights, see Cathedral, Uffizi gallery, David, museums, explore and have open days

Pescara - National park D'Abruzzo 2 nights, hike, explore coast

Rome 4 nights, ruins, Colosseum,Trevi fountain, St Peters' Vatican, museums.

Or in opposite direction -

Rome, Pescara ( and D'Abruzzo), Florence, Milan.

We wonder if it's a good idea to start in the South, with the abundance, crowds, chaos and fun of Rome, and then settle into our road trip, slow down in Florence, and wrap up in Milan. Or the other way North to South, All ideas much appreciated!!!

Posted by
2571 posts

My first recommendation would be to not go in late June. Can you shift it to late May, or anytime earlier?

If there is no changing your timeframe, I would go south to north. Primarily because of the heat, which you don’t mention but should not underestimate. But also because of the crowds.

Posted by
3277 posts

If the plane fare is the same in either direction travel south to north. Otherwise, I would pay the lesser fare.

Posted by
13 posts

Hi, Thank you both for your thoughts. It's really helpful! We are aware and concerned about the heat. But this is our available time to travel. We are planning to start in Rome and go north on our trip. Thanks!