Fine tuning an 8 day trip in Italy

Posted by andrewc (New Albany, OH, USA) on 03/29/18 06:28 PM

"Good day!
My wife and I (34 and 30) have finally book a flight to Italy on October 2018.

Here are the details of the proposed trip:
-7 1/2 days to spend (Arriving in Florence noon on a Friday and leaving from Florence at 10AM on Saturday, so I pretty much count Saturday out)
-Flying Into and Out of Florence.
-Spend 2-3 days in Florence
-2 days in Venice
-Possibly 3 days in the Umbria region or similar (Small town, Italian Countryside)

I need help on:
1. What is the most efficient order of travelling between the 3 places? Any suggestion on other Italian countryside we should consider?
2. Best mode of transportation in getting to and going around? I am considering in renting a car in the countryside, are there any car rental places near the train stations?
3. Any other 8 day itinerary suggestions are very welcome.

Thank you!"

Posted by joe32F

Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂

03/29/18 08:49 PM

12043 posts

8 days to spend

Is that exclusive or inclusive of your arrival and departure days?

Posted by gerri

lexington, il

03/29/18 09:43 PM

4105 posts

I really think you're trying to cram too much into a very short trip. You need to think in terms of nights, not days. What time does your plane land in Florence. Your first "day" usually less than a half day. I would use this time to reach your furthest location in your case Venice.

N1. Arrive Florence. Train to Venice.

N2. Venice.

N3. Early afternoon train to Florence.

N4. Florence.

N5. Florence.

N6. Rent car. Here I would substitute Tuscany rather than Umbria

N7. Tuscany.

N8. Tuscany.

Drive to airport and drop car. Fly home.

This gives you 1 1/2 days in Venice.
2 1/2 days in both Florence and the Tuscan hill towns

If you want more time in Venice steal a nite from Tuscany.

Posted by Charlotte

Fort Lauderdale, FL

03/29/18 11:04 PM

1245 posts

I would stick with Tuscany, too, rather than Umbria. There are more than enough small towns to keep you busy.

Be aware that you need an International Driver's Permit for each driver. Available at any AAA office for $20. They will take your picture there, too.

Posted by andrewc OP

New Albany, OH, USA

03/30/18 12:48 PM

6 posts

Hi Gerri,

Great advice on thinking in terms of nights. So it will be 8 nights (7 1/2 days to spend (Arriving in Florence noon on a Friday and leaving from Florence at 10AM on Saturday, so I pretty much count Saturday out).

Also, any particular reason why you would sub out Umbria for Tuscany? We are torn on this leg of the trip, and a little nudge from the community could easily sway our decision on this leg.

Andrew