My boyfriend and I are planning to go to Italy (and France) for about 4 weeks in October/November. We are not interested in a super-touristy trip, we are very interested in local culture and like to wander and discover things on our own (I think deep down my boyfriend wishes he were jack kerouac...). We are very into food, we don't need 4 star restaurants, but local food will be a big factor in our trip. I am interested in art history, churches and cathedrals, and of course beautiful views. We will be staying two places in Italy, but I would like help with suggestions based on our preferences. We will either be staying in hostels or in vacation rentals depending on price (hoping to stay under 400 euro a week). We are in our mid-20's, on somewhat of a budget, and looking for a nice relaxing experience. Suggestions welcome!!!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
"I am interested in art history, churches and cathedrals." Florence has as much or more art and architecture, per square foot, than any other place in Italy or France.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
Erin, you said you will be staying two places in Italy. Where are those places? In what cities? Then we can figure out what side trips you can make.
Posted by
OP
Baldwinsville, NY, United States
3 posts
That's the thing, I'm not sure yet which cities we will use as a hub. I'm thinking maybe Florence or Rome, but I'm not opposed to going further north. I've been doing a lot of research, but it's a bit overwhelming. I don't think we will go to Venice, Milan, or Naples though.
Posted by
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
This is a pretty broad question & you will surely get a variety of suggestions. I would get Rick's Italy DVD's & have a look so you can determine which places interest you.
I agree that Florence is great if you're into art history, churches, etc. I can't see staying in Florence for more than 3 days or so. It is of course very touristy but in Oct/Nov, shouldn't be as crowded as peak season.
If it's churches & history you want, Rome can't be beat! There are a ton of interesting churches there as well as musuems. I spent 5 days there & I barely skimmed the surface. You could easily spend half your trip there. You could also take some nice day trips from Rome (i.e. to Orvieto, Ostia Antica, Villa d'Este, etc.)
If you're not into super touristy places, you might consider staying somewhere in Tuscany and renting a car and driving around to various hill towns. While many of them are touristy, there are many lesser known towns that are off the beaten path.
In terms of good food, you will find good food anywhere you go in Italy. Can't go wrong!
In terms of working within a budget, Rome is fairly expensive so I would look for an apartment as they are generally cheaper than hotels. I don't have any experience with hostels but I'm sure Rome has one!
Posted by
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
9 posts
Start your trip in Florence and end in Rome. Spend several days in both to embrace the culture while taking in all of the art history, churches, and cathedrals your heart could desire.
In the middle, rent a car and explore Tuscany. If you truly are interested in local food (and wine) and beautiful views, few areas in Europe will compare to what a few leisurely days driving through Tuscany can offer.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, USA
306 posts
If you can only stay in two places in Italy, then it is a no brainer. Florence and Rome. However, I do have a question. You say you are going to be in Europe for 4 weeks. Is most of that time going to be in France? If you plan on splitting your time equally between the two, you would be amazed at how much (and how cheaply) you can explore Italy. Give yourself a week for Florence and Rome, if you are spending more time then that in Italy, then branch out and visit more then just two places.