I will be traveling to Italy for my first trip to Europe Starting April 1, 2016. The tour group will spend 3 1/2 days in Rome, travel by train to Florence for 2 days, then by train to Venice for 4 days. My birthday will be the day before the tour begins. I would like to get to Italy a few days in the end of March to conquer jet lag, etc. and to see some other areas not seen on tour. I would like to see countrysides (Tuscan) or Liguria area (family from Liguria) sites. I am told that CT is just too touristy and to go somewhere else. Any suggestions? Is it silly to start in Tuscan countryside, travel to Rome, then back to Florence?
Posted by
Atlanta
5295 posts
If you have time, consider a trip out to Ostia Antica just outside Rome. It is the original site of Rome and is quite a different change of pace. You can get there on public transient quickly and cheaply. Google it and see what you think. It is closed either Sunday or Monday -- can't remember which. TC
Posted by
OP
Las Vegas
26 posts
I will take a look at it, thanks!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
If you can fly into Florence you could spend a few days there before your tour, since you will only have 2 days there on the tour. Or fly into Rome, take the train to Florence, and then go back to Rome to start the tour. Train from Rome to Florence and vice versa is about two hours each way.
I don't know how much fun Cinque Terre or even Tuscan countryside will be in March, but either would probably be fine. Cinque Terre to Rome can take a long part of a day, depending on where you start the journey to Rome.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
359 posts
I would stay somewhere in the countryside near Rome, maybe Orvieto. Or else I would just spend the extra time in Rome and take some day trips out.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Cinque Terre will not be too crowded in March, which is one definition of "too touristy." I'm not sure whether you are flying into Rome or whether the tickets is not yet set.
How to Look Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
Is there any possibility you could stay a few days after the tour to visit the Cinque Terre? The "official" start of the tourist season there isn't until 1 April, although there will probably be a few hotels open in late March. The weather could be an issue as well. The trip from Rome to the C.T. will be about four hours+ each way, depending on which trains you use.
I agree with other suggestions that spending the time in Rome with a few day trips (Orvieto?) would be good, as there's LOTS to see there and not all of the sites will likely be covered by your tour.
As this is your first trip to Italy, you'll need to do some homework on using public transit there as there are some potentially expensive "caveats" to be aware of. If you need more information, post another note.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16243 posts
If you only have a couple of nights before the tour, I would stay in Rome and maybe take a day trip to Orvieto. If you plan to arrive earlier (e.g. 4 nights earlier) I would head south to the Gulf of Naples. There you can visit Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano, Capri, Pompeii, Naples, etc. Sorrento is a nice base for the area if you don't have a car.
Posted by
Westford, MA, USA
567 posts
Keep in mind Palm Sunday is March 29th, the Sunday before your tour begins. You may consider staying in a smaller place to avoid huge crowds in the major cities and to enjoy the intimacy of the church holiday atmosphere. Church attendance increases at the holidays, especially the Easter season.
Posted by
Redding, California
244 posts
Amalfi Coast is absolutely beautiful. A train ride to Naples then on to Sorrento. We absolutely loved every minute on the Amalfi coast!