First time to Italy, heck, first time out of the US

Karen,

As you're going to be in the Mantova area, there are lots of possibities you could consider for either day trips or overnight trips (provided your husband wouldn't mind). Where to start!

The first question to ask is what types of things are you interested in? Have a look at the Guidebook that Kent suggested for a few ideas.

Although there are an enormous number of possible places you could visit, here's a few to consider:

• Venice (preferably at least one night)

• Verona

• Cinque Terre (preferably stay at least one night - be sure to try the local Pesto in the area where this was invented!)

• Lago di Como (Varenna, again stay at least one night).

• Florence (at least one night - if you want to visit the Uffizi or Accademia, reservations are recommended - info in the Guideboook).

• Modena

• Bologna

• Lucca

• Siena

• Padova

Check the Guidebook for detailed information on sights to see in each of those places, opening & closing times, etc. There are no "absolute-do not miss this" sights that fit everyone - you have to decide what you most want to see.

You'll be able to get around quite nicely via train using P-P tickets. As this is your first trip, you might want to download the free PDF rail guide on this website. If you have any questions on specific rail tickets, I'm sure Lee or Norm will be able to provide the details.

I'd suggest packing along a copy of Italy 2009 as I find it's great to have the Guidebook for reference. Most of the major cities are well covered, but there's not much detail on some of the smaller towns.

Happy travels!

Hi Karen,

I spent two nights in Venice and I felt it was not enough, I would have preferred a third to fully enjoy it all. I spent three nights in the Cinque Terre, and that seemed to be about right - so long as you wish to do some of the hiking. If you love art, make sure to spend some time in Florence. Even if you do not love art, try and see the statue of David at the Galleria dell'Academia as it will make an art lover out of you - you can reserve a ticket in advance if you do not want to wait in line.

There is so much else to see, but I would not necessarily recommend that you try and see it all on 16 days. If you really want to rush it, you can see Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, and the Isle of Capri to name a few more options, but these are all getting further south.

Hi Karen, My husband and I are also going to Italy for the first time in May. I am wondering if Steven can tell us where to go to reserve a ticket in advance to see the statue of David at the Galleria in Florence? Hope you don't mind me tagging along on your post!

Hi there,

In regards to the Accademia Gallery reservations, there is actually a link in the Uffizi gallery website that will allow you to reserve online for the Accademia.

http://www.uffizi.com/accademia-gallery-florence.asp

Hope this helps, and enjoy your trip!

Karen,

Just curious, what method of travel and cities did you choose for your trip?

Wow Karen, this is coming quick!

I would recommend seeing David at the Academia in Florence. The Academia is closed on Mondays. You can reserve a ticket on line (just google it). You shouldn't have a long line in March, but go ahead and reserve a ticket. Then spend the rest of your day exploring Florence (instead of waiting in line).

Can you get to Pisa? The Leaning Tower is a bit over rated and kinda smaller than I had imagined (tons of puns here that I will avoid) But I felt I had to see it. The train station is not close at all, so you may have to find a bus to get you closer to the site. It won't take but about 45 mins. on the grounds and you'll have seen it w/your own eyes. It is just traveling to/fro that you'll have to decide upon.

If you can get to Venice, do so. It is even more gorgeous than any picture you've ever seen. Get a good map and explore to your heart's content. But DO NOT miss St. Mark's Basilca. This is a true beauty among tons of eye candy.

I cannot comment on Rome, Cinqua Terra or other delights. I just know that I will never get enough of the beautiful "boot".

Hope this helps. Salute!

I have been traveling to Europe since 1951. I fell in love with Italy on my first trip and have returned many, many times over the years. You should see Roma and Firenze (Florence) first above all. Five days in Roma and at least 3 in Firenze. There is much to see everywhere in Italy but those two are key to understanding the culture of Italy, the history of the modern world and your own world today. Beyond that, Venezia (Venice) is dirty, crowded, expensive and the most touristy place in Europe. It is also not very attractive anymore. It still had a faint glow of its former beauty in 1951 but not much of that is left now. One day is quite enough. Okay, if you must, spend the day and an expensive night. Same with Pisa. Take the train and from the station you will see the bus stop for the Tower. The buses stop a good ways from the gate so that you have to go past every tourist both and boy do they try to pull you in. Watch your wallet. Finally, the Bridge of Sighs is so called because from its windows a convict got his last look at the outside world before he descended into the famous prison. Sorry lovers, but it had nothing to do with a lover's last look at his beloved. And most of the grand palaces I say in 1951 are flooded and closed now.

You have bought the current RS Italy book, right? If not, I strongly suggest it. He ranks sights by level of "Don't Miss".

the suggestions here are great... All I want to say is
Have a great trip!!!!! First adventures are always so much fun.

Yes, I did buy the RS Italy book. Should I also get the ones for Rome, Venice, and Florence?

Karen,

If you have the Italy book, I wouldn't bother with the Rome, Venice and Florence books (especially for such a short trip). You won't have time for any "detailed" touring in any of the cities, so the Italy book will cover what you need.

Cheers!

Hello! This is what I have come up with so far. Please...suggestions would be wonderful! We arrive in Milan @ 7:05 am. I want to spend the day seeing Milan and especially The Lord's Supper.

I would like to take a train late in the day to Venice and spend Sat. and Sun. in Venice. Is this the best thing to do? Some say it is dirty and nasty and not worth the time, but we have never went anywhere without the children and I am looking forward to the romance of it all.

Should I split this and do one day in Verona or Padua while we are together?

We will then take a late train back to Mantua which is "homebase" for my husband. I was thinking of taking day trips alone from there by train to Verona and Florence. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated...

Finally on Sat. Apr. 10 he will be finished and we are going to Rome together for the weekend. But it is Easter and I am very concerned about the crowds. Should I pay to change our tickets and do Rome on the first weekend and Venice at the end? What would you do?

Also what type of rail pass should I buy? Which cities are safest for a woman alone traveling by train. Do you know of safe hotels in those towns? Great places to dine? I love the art and architecture, what should I see?

Thanks so much!
Karen

That sounds like a great plan. Stay in Venice both nights, it's a wonderful and romantic place. I think Venice first and Rome last will be fine as well.

I'll be back with some daytrip suggestions later.

I like your idea of switching Venice/Rome to Rome/Venice to avoid the crowds in Rome at Easter.
For a first time visit to Rome, Easter will make it so much harder that I think you will actually get to see less. Besides, you may not have an easy time booking a hotel at Easter this late in the game. Have Fun either way.

Karen and also Jennifer,
Regarding tickets for the Academy or Uffizi, you might consider a tour guide. Not through a group but rather a private, personal guide. We used someone who was wonderful and made our time at both museums sooo much better and...no lines! She met us at our hotel and off we went! She got all the tickets, etc. and we walked right in. Her info is:
Lorella Migliorati
[email protected]
cell: 339 347 910

Hello Fellow Italy Lovers!
Here is my very rough itinerary. Please feel free to give me ideas on hotels, sites, suggestions, dining, shopping, etc.

Milan

Itinerary for 1 day
Duomo Museum Cathedral
Duomo Cathedral including roof top
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
La Scala Opera House
Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) – my maiden name is “Costello” so I have to see this if only for a photo for my father!)
The Last Supper – I’ll need to get reservations-I have called but was put on hold and was not able to get them yet.

Hotel:
My husbands company is taking care of this one.

FLORENCE 2 Days
Hotels: I am not sure if these include breakfast or bathrooms. Do you know?

www.kattihouse.com
www.galileohotel.it
www.firenze-bedandbreakfast.it
www.bnb.it/deimori

Taken directly from Rick's website: for 2 days in Florence

Sample Itinerary for Florence. I will need to get the reservations of the Uffizi and Accademia from the hotel once we book it.

Day 1
Accademia
Museum of San Marco
Medici Chapels
Lunch, market, wander, shop.
Baptistery
Climb Giotto's Tower.
Renaissance Walk

Dinner near Piazza della Signoria.

Day 2
Bargello
Duomo Museum
Lunch, free to wander and shop
Church of Santa Maria Novella and old perfumery.
Uffizi Gallery
Oltrarno Walk
Dinner in Oltrarno

Rome 2 Days - but on Sat/Sun Easter Weeken
Hotels: I am not sure if these include breakfast or bathrooms. Do you or any of your contacts know?
http://www.hotelselectgarden.com/index.html
www.hoteladler-roma.com
www.hotelnardizzi.it

Itinerary ideas:
On the first day, do the “Caesar Shuffle” from the Colosseum to the Forum, the over the Capitol Hill to the Pantheon. After a siesta, join the locals strolling from the Piazza del Popolo to the Spanish Steps. On day 2, see Vatican City (St. Peter’s, climb the dome, tour the Vatican Museum). Have dinner on the Campo de’ Fiori, then walk to the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.
Thanks! Karen

Karen - I don't know the places you have listed but I have never stayed in an Italian hotel that did not include breakfast. Admittedly there were some that had better offering for breakfast but they all had something.

Usually when you get to a reservation and pricing page, the listing will outline whether there is a bathroom in the room or down the hall.

I though you guys were going to Venice as well?

I would definitely recommend going to Rome first, saving Milan and Venice for later, because crowds and prices will be sky high during Easter week/end.

In terms of other places to visit aside from those three, Florence is always great, of course. Being up in the Mantova area, I would also recommend daytrips to Verona, Bergamo, Desenzano (Lake Garda), Padova, and a darkhorse, Certosa di Pavia. For lengthier daytrips I would also recommend Varenna (Lake Como) and Ravenna (possibly staying overnight in these so you're not rushed). And, if you're willing to take a trip to stay overnight for at least a couple of nights, I would recommend the aforementioned Cinque Terre. You could even possibly stop in Pisa and/or Lucca on the way.

If, by chance, you are able and/or willing to squeeze more time back down further south around Florence, the big highlights around Tuscany for your first visit would be Siena, Assisi, and Orvieto.

But, in all, being based up north, I think the 'biggies' (the priorities) for you would be Rome, Florence, and Venice, followed by Milan, Cinque Terre, and Lake Como, followed by Verona, Ravenna, Padova and other daytrips. And, again, keep in mind the big Tuscan towns above (Siena, Assisi..) would be right up near the top as well.