My two friends & I are Flying into Rome on 10/28 and departing from Venice 11/6. This is our first trip to Italy we are fit 50 year old ladies that want to experience a lot, but not be exhausted. Looking for itinerary/hotel recommendations for a visit this time of year. We would like to do cultural things in Rome and then maybe experience some countryside on the way to Venice. Don't want to spend all our time in museum as we all like a good amount of outdoor excercise, but all love food and wine, too:) Yes, it's only a few weeks away! Last minute trip, yikes! We actually arrive on the 29th, first thing so that leaves 8 days on the ground.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11838 posts
Lisa: That's a big question. Have you read a guidebook (of course we recommend Rick Steves) yet to get some ideas? You'll have 9 days on the ground, including arrival day. I'd say spend 5night in Rome (nights of 10/28-29-30-31 and 11/1) then 4 (11/2-3-4-5) in Venice. There's so much to do in each city, and they are so different from one another. It is tempting to try and see more places but this really is a short trip and Italy is a big country. You will experience more if you go to fewer locations, IMHO. But, you'll have to tell us what you lilke to do: museums and art, churches, outdoor activities, history, etc. And you really need to read a guidebook. Although it is low season, you also need to get your lodging reservations made. Your departure is jsut around the corner!
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
Hi Lisa. Maybe this is a stupid question, but are you going to Italy this month, or in October 2012? And do you arrive in Rome on Oct. 28? If so, you will have 8 full days on the ground, not counting the days that you arrive in and depart from Italy. Your question about itinerary recommendations is huge, and it would help if you gave us some ideas of what you and your friends are interested in. Do you want a mix of urban and rural visits, or are you only interested in city sightseeing? The first time I went to Italy, I was there for a week and we went to Venice, Florence, Rome, and 3 towns. It was insane, although I didn't know it at the time. We were only able to do this because we were on a tour with a big bus and everything was planned in advance. I would NOT recommend doing this. But with 8 days, and since this is your first trip, I would hit the biggies - Rome (3-4 days), Florence (2-3 days), and Venice (2 days). You will lose time every time you travel between cities, so take that into consideration. You might want to pare down my suggested itinerary even more.
Posted by
OP
Dublin, Ohio, USA
4 posts
We are leaving in a few weeks...last minute trip! We would like to have a mix of culture and outdoor if possible. Maybe see some countryside on the way to Venice?
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11838 posts
Try Rome 4 nights, Orvieto or Assisi 2 nights for that "countryside" feel, then Venice 3 nights. Unless art and museums are of prime importance, skip Florence and go "next time." You will get exposed to more art than you can remember in the other locations!