I am going to Italy to see my children who are attending a study abroad program in Citerna, Italy (near Arezzo). My friend and I are flying into Rome Oct 12, our plan so far is to spend 12-14 in Rome, night of the 14th in Citerna with my kids, 15-19 (unsure yet) 19-21 in Venice (fly home from Venice on 21st. We have several ideas for the 15-19 time and can't decide! This is wear I need help! We plan to rent a car and drive from Rome and turn it in when we arrive in Venice and were interested in staying in a agriturismo in the Chianti area (15,16), Cinque Terra (17), and Lake Guarda (18). Is this too much? Is the drive from Chianti area to Cinque Terra to much or too scary? I have never been to Europe but my friend has been many times and feels pretty comfortable driving. Please help me with some advice! Thanks so much! Tracy
Posted by
Northborough, MA
636 posts
I think that you're trying to do too much. In my opinion, you really need 3 nights someplace to fully appreciate it, with 2 nights being the occasional exception.
As for driving to Cinque Terre, we drove to Vernazza in July, and it was an amazing drive. Yes, it's twisty and narrow, but completely worth it!
Posted by
OP
Tallahassee, Fl, US
2 posts
Thanks for the reply-any recommendation of how you would spend the time? Iforgot to say my 18 and 20 year olds will be with us after the 15th.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
I, too, think you're trying to do too much in those 4 days you're asking about. You asked for alternatives: for starters I'd forget about Lake Garda, too far away from Chianti and the Cinque Terre, given your time constraints. That frees up some time and then you could do 2 nights Chianti area and 2 nights Cinque Terre. You may want to book ahead in the CT to get a hotel/B&B that clearly says they have a secure overnight parking place for you, which can be a problem there.
Posted by
boulder, colorado
192 posts
I agree with the others - you are trying to do too much. Rent a car and stay the whole time in an agrotourismo in Tuscany and day trip to the hilltowns or take a train to the CT and spend the whole time there. Both locations are wonderful.