My husband and I will be celebrating 25 years of marriage in September (2011). I have a dream itenerary laid out We have 11 nights. Below is my itenerary - We are debating between Venice/Lake Como and the Almafi Coast. Any advice is appreciated! We can fly in to Milan and out of Rome or vise versa or fly both in and out of Rome: Fly into Milan Take train straight to Venice or Lake Como 2 nights in Venice or Lake Como or do one night in each? 4 nights in Florence/Tuscany (rent car) 2 nights in Cinque Terre Alternate would be to fly both in and out of Rome and skip Venice/Lake Como and do the Almafi Coast - 2 nights 2 or 3 nights in Rome
Fly out of Rome Is this too much? The three places that I know I do not want to miss are Florence/Tuscany, Cinque Terre and Rome. It's where to spend the extra time...Venice, Lake Como, Almalfi Coast. Help! Thanks!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11780 posts
Amy:
With 11 nights, I'd recommend sticking to three locations. The CT really requires 3 nights, which gives you two full days there. Florence with Tuscany sidetrips can easily be 4 nights, and Rome your final 4. Rome is endlessly fascinating. While I love Venice, I just think you would be spending too much time criss-crossing Italy and limiting your enjoyment. If the 3 places you mentioned are your hearts desire, make it so for this dream trip. FWIW, one night stops don't make a lot of sense. You spend half a day getting there and checking in, then you leave the next morning. Ugh! Fly into Milan and take a train immediately to the CT, spend 3 nights. Train to Florence, 4 nights there with side trip to Siena and perhaps other hill towns. Train to Rome, 4 nights and more to do every day than you can possibly imagine! It will be a GREAT trip and you will be able to develop a sense of what each place is about, instead of dashing in and out. In the CT, be sure to eat at Il Pirata in Vernazza! One of the most delicious and entertaining dinners we had in a three week trip. Ciao!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Amy, I tend to agree with the previous reply. With such a short time frame, limiting your trip to the C.T., Florence and Rome will provide a good balance. The Cinque Terre will be a great place to relax for a few days and get over jet lag, and Rome will be a great finale for such a special occasion. Congratulations and Happy Travels!
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
I would suggest saving the Amalfi coast for another visit. You'll spend much of your time getting from Rome to the area and back. Sometimes less really is more...
Posted by
OP
Columbus, Ohio, USA
31 posts
This is great input - thank you so much. I like the thought of just hitting those three places for longer stays. We may take a day trip to Almafi while we are in Rome. My other option is to convince my husband to take 3 more vacation days and make it a full two weeks in paradise!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11780 posts
Amy:
Three more nights = a trip to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast! You can easily visit Pompeii as well while in Sorrento. Use your Rome time for Rome, she deserves it.