First time trip to Italy - 10 days - open to suggestions

CJ, First trip to Italy - fantastic! A few comments on your questions: 1.) I'd suggest two days in Venice. Three would be nice but with such a short trip, I think two will be adequate. 2.) Most of the Cinque Terre doesn't have "conventional" Hotels, as you've probably noticed in the Guidebook. One other point to keep in mind is that in November, many of the places will be in the process of shutting down for the winter. You might be better staying in Monterosso. It's the largest of the five villages and has a better choice of accommodations and restaurants. 3.) It's difficult to advise someone else on what's a "big deal" and what isn't, as tastes vary. I'd suggest in having a look at the Rome at a glance section on the Guidebook (page 704 in the 2010 edition). The sights that are listed with three triangles are the most significant and most popular. You'll have to decide which of the sights listed best fit your taste and interests. 4.) Difficult to recommend Hotels, as you didn't indicate your budget or preferences? In terms of "what to see", again check the summary page in the Guidebook. IMO, the Doge's Palace is a "must", but others may have differing opinions. If you have a large budget, you could pay a visit to Harry's Bar and have an overpriced Bellini (I believe they were invented there). Last time I was there, they were in the range of €16, but have probably increased by now. After experiencing Italy, I suspect (like most of us), you'll be back! Happy travels!

1 & 4. 2 days. We stayed at Ca' Centopeitre (as suggested by a poster on this board) and really enjoyed the location in Dorsoduro. It was close to everything, but also very peaceful. It looks like their rates are 80-120 euros in November depending on the type of room. https://www.centopietre.net/ 2. In Vernazza, we stayed at La Mala, which is a bit more hotel-like. It is pricy, but we felt that it was worth every penny. Room #19 is small, but has great views and is more economical than the famed #31. It is 135 euros per night, but they do give a discount for cash payment (I think it was 10 or 20 euros) and includes breakfast. http://www.lamala.it/ 3. We had pretty good luck following Rick's Rome itinerary with a few alterations for our preferences. http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/rome3.htm

CJ, with your 10 day trip taking place in November, I would consider skipping CT this trip. Assuming you have 10 days in Italy (so excluding your travel days) I would take 3 nights in Venice, 3 nights in Tuscany and 4 nights in Rome. This will give you time to relax and really experience Italy. Even with 4 days in Rome you won't be able to see everything, but it will give you time to really soak up what you see and experience. I agree with spending time studying guidebooks on what to see in Rome. One thing I loved in Rome that doesn't get alot of press is the Ara Pacis. Also the Malta keyhole was cool. There is lots to see in Venice, but my favorite part of the city is simply wandering around and getting lost - because you are never truly lost since you are surrounded by water!

I would echo the suggestion that you cut something out of your trip - probably the CT (because it can be a real pain to get into and out of).

Ten days is not as much as you think and if you try to fit in too much, you spend 1/2 your vacation checking into/out of hotels, waiting for trains, riding on trains, unpacking, packing, etc.

A few days each in Venice, Tuscany (Florence maybe? Or Siena?) and Rome makes for a real nicely varied, and yet still relaxing, vacation.

Do you also have the Rome and Venice books? I suggest you get those also or check them out of the library as they offer more detailed chapters on the sights and even have suggested itineraries depending on how many days you're spending in the city. That said, try to spend at least 2 nights in each place, as that allows you 1 full day of sight seeing plus 2 half days depending on your arrival/departure time into that city. Allow at least 3 nights in Rome as there is so much to see there. Rome highlights include Vatican City (St Peter's plus climbing to the cupola/Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel), Colosseum/Forum, and just wandering around and getting lost within this city. And lots of gelato of course!

Hi CJ. I have to agree with my fellow Portlander, "ekc" that you should skip the CT in November. Many of the establishments close down completely November-February, so hard to find not only lodging, but dining (especially in the smaller towns like Vernazza). If it is raining there is really nothing to do there. :-( Venice/Tuscany/Rome is a classic first-time combo. You can stay Florence or Siena or a smaller hilltown of your choice in Tuscany and have a great experience in November. We really liked this B&B http://www.aitagliapietra.com in Venice. In Siena loved this one http://www.anticaresidenzacicogna.it. In Rome we stayed in a wonderful apartment here http://www.palazzo-olivia.it/. Of course there are many options at Cross-Pollinate, VRBO, Homeaway, etc. Also recommend you thoroughly read a Rome guidebook to get an idea of what you want to see. What "sings" to you? Surely a tour of the Forum and Colosseum, but don't miss the Palatine. That was fascinating to us. Agree with others that Venice deserves more than one day. Stay three nights and get two full days of La Serenissima.

We just got back from a 19 day trip to Italy visiting Venice, Cinque, San Gimignano and the best AGriturismo in Tuscany, Cretaiole! Sounds generic, but I would stay as long in each place as you possibly can. I could spend a month in each location and never tire of it! Venice was just beautiful, we stayed in Manarola in Cinque (LOTS of steps in Cinque;except maybe Monterrosso) but the scenery is spectacular!! Rick Steve's info is so very accurate you can't go wrong with his suggestions, but Tripadvisor is great too; these are the two places we trust the most. Best of luck!

Agree in that CT might be closed down in November and that Monterosso is good as it is easy to get to from the station....old town is more character if open and new town more regular bars restaurants style. No idea what the weather would be then though-need to check that too. Really important to see if enough things are open. Ferries also may not runyou should check that but the walks are probably open. Its easy to explore all the little towns in a couple of days with some walks too and a trip to Porte Venere is pleasant if the ferries are running one way at least. We stayed at Hotel Pasquale which was very good and the folk there very pleasant. See comments on trip advisor. You could email them and see if they are open and ask their advice. This has a lovely view over the water. There is also a good B&B on trip advisor but no view.

Dear CJ, In Vernazza, try: www.elisabettacarro.it for the best view in town.

I would skip CT for first trip and concentrate on the big 3. Rome, Florence and Tuscany and Venice. Easy train rides and direct routes.
IMHO, best first trip. Then go back to what you liked in future and begin to add on things like CT, Amalfi, etc.