Hi everyone,
Well, I certainly hope this time is the time. As my post title eludes to, I originally had a first trip to Italy planned last year in May, but COVID (really the quarantine and testing requirements of Italy) had scared me off. But, I’m looking to finally do it and just booked my flight (yay!).
It actually works out, because this trip will be longer than my originally planned trip. I’ll have 17 days in country.
I had a few general questions about my general itinerary. My original plan called for just the big 3 of Venice, Florence, Rome. Now, with the additonal days, I will add an extra stop. I’m currently thinking of something like this. Note, I’ve only booked flights, no hotels yet so this is all changeable at the moment.
- Venice - arrive Monday, Sep. 25 around 9:35am (3 full days)
- Cinque Terre - arrive Friday, Sep. 29 (2 full days)
- Florence - arrive Monday, Oct. 2 (3 full days)
- Rome - arrive Friday, Oct. 6 (5 full days)
- Flight back to the US on the 12th at 10am from FCO
Questions:
Overall split of days between destinations? I’m trying not to move at a break neck pace and have some relaxing time to just stroll around etc. My main concerns are Cinque Terre and Venice. Do you think 2 full days/3 nights is too much for CT? Can the 5 towns all be visited comfortably in less time? Venice I was going back and forth on, but I think I’m ok with the 3 full days, because I figure I can devote 2 full somewhat leisurely paced days to the main island, and then devote the last day to Burano, Murano, etc. without being too rushed. I figure too if I somehow do get everything crammed in before that or if I find it boring, I could take a day trip to Verona. If I did subtract from either CT or Venice, I think I would add it to Florence.
CT at the end of September - weather should still hopefully be decent right? I know noone knows the future, just a general concern/thought. Warm enough to take a dip in the sea?
- Are the CT trails easy enough to do with just a pair of regular tennis shoes?
Is the most optimal and logical order Venice > CT > Florence > Rome?
- Is it easy to stop off a Pisa to grab a picture of the tower while transiting from CT to Florence?
A bit about my travel style: I’ll be traveling solo as a 38M. Although I’ll be solo, I do like to find group tours like food tours or walking or even bike tours. I like history, immersing in the culture, the major museums, spectacular landscapes, and just generally wandering around snapping photos. I don’t want to rent a car and will be relying on public transit. I don’t drink alcohol so experiences focused on wineries or vineyards don’t really draw my attention.
Thanks for any comments you can add!