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First time to Italy and having trouble narrowing down where to go!

Posted by on

Hi-
We're celebrating our 30th anniversary next year and just bought tickets to Italy for May 15 - 25th. We are planning on mostly northern Italy, and after researching the area, I'm thinking we should have gone for a month! So many beautiful places.

We have a few areas in mind, and if anyone can help out with suggestions or advice, that would be wonderful. For background, we love beautiful vistas, quaint villages and towns, and places we can walk, hike, etc. We are thinking of the Dolomites (and maybe the Jungfrau region of Switzerland). We are also considering Cinque Terre and /or Venice. (my husband isn't too sure about Venice) I'm a landscape photographer, so would love some beautiful places to photograph.

We are flying into Milan and will be heading out from there. We also plan to rent a car, instead of the train, since I like to stop and take photos often.

Any advice?? Is Cinque Terre too crowded in May? If I had to choose between Cinque Terre and Venice, which would you choose? I've been doing a lot of research, and unfortunately there's more to do than I have time to do it! :)

Thanks!!!!!!
Theresa

Posted by
707 posts

Theresa,

Congrats on the 30th! You are right about going to Italy for a month. So skip the Jungfrau region this time. Given your background, you could consider one of the lakes in northern Italy and also the Dolomites. Don't miss Florence. And I'd suggest one of the towns in the Cinque Terre because of your interest in "quaint villages and towns." There are other places to visit but you've only got 10 or 11 days. Have a great trip!

Posted by
3648 posts

Venice or Cinque Terre? Venice, of course. You can easily combine it with time in the Dolomites.

Posted by
11613 posts

If photography is important to you, plan on slower travel. I suggest you choose one or two areas and enjoy them. Venice and the Dolomites sounds good, two very different land/seascapes, plus whatever daytime stops you make along the way.

Posted by
3943 posts

I have taken so many photos in Venice - although CT is gorgeous as well. If you do end up in Venice (my fav place EVER - been 4 times) make sure you strike out in the morning before 8am to St Marks and get some amazing photos of it almost empty - no banging elbows and dodging tourists. And one thing we finally did this trip - went over to San Giorgio - to the bell tower right across the lagoon from St Marks - amazing amazing panoramic photos of St Marks Sq (and no line up to go into the bell tower compared to the one at St Marks).

We've been to CT twice, but my heart will always belong to Venice.

Posted by
5301 posts

I'm echoeing Michael:

Theresa, maybe I'm missing something, but how is this different from
the topic you already started?

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/first-visit-to-italy-in-may-2015-where-to-go

@ Michael: Déja vu! I was wondering the same thing! BTW Michael, many thanks for sharing your photo albums (on OP's previous post)

I love the "uncrowded Venice" & "Verona highlights" photos! I was just there with my mom & it brought back memories.

Thanks again!

@ Theresa Is it possible to squeeze out a few more days to add to your vacation? Think about it... It's your 30th anniversary!!!
AND... it's still early enough to change your travel dates & probably at no extra cost (call the airline, AA does not charge for changing dates)

Venice or CT?

IMO, Venice is magical, a city floating on water! The Cinque Terre are also beautiful & very picturesque!

Why not split your trip among both? Or... plan another trip in the future!

Happy planning!

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