We are going to be traveling from Switzerland to Italy by car in June. We are trying to decide our itinerary. We want to see as much as possible while being realistic. I was thinking of using Florence as a base and trying to also see CT and Sienna. We were hoping to also make it to Venice, maybe on the way back? We have 5 days. I would love to make it to Rome, but I think it is out of the question. I thought about flying, but the drop charges for rental cars are outrageous! I am looking for help in deciding an itinerary and wondering if Florence is a good base? We are not museum people and prefer the outdoors.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Cathy,
With a time frame of only five days, Florence is certainly one possibility. However, as you prefer the outdoors, a few other locations you could consider are the Cinque Terre, Lago di Como (Varenna) or Lago Maggiore (Stresa). You could (for example) spend two days in one location and three in another? As you noted, Rome will probably have to wait for the next visit.
Spending a few days in the C.T. would provide the opportunity for hiking the trails between the five villages, and it's a great location to relax, as is Varenna.
Travel by car will be slower than by train, and for driving in Italy you'll require the compulsory International Driver's Permit which must be used in conjunction with your home D.L. Failure to produce an I.D.P. if requested can result in fines on the spot! If you decide to stay in Florence, be sure to have a look at the posts here concerning ZTL areas. Passing through one of the automated cameras results in a €100+ violation notice EACH TIME. Florence has one of the heaviest concentrations of these cameras!
You didn't say which airport you'd be using for the flight home, so that will have some bearing in which locations you choose.
Good luck!
Posted by
Lock Haven, PA
44 posts
Last year our trip was similar to yours. flying into Switzerland (CH), touring then, then drove to Italy. Driving in Italy was easier than I thought (I had driven mega miles in the UK previously which was not a problem, except for the driving on the left hand side which, of course, is not a problem for us in Italy). We are going back again to Italy this summer, and driving too. There are lots of fans of rail on this site. Yes, point to point it might be a bit faster, but if you figure time in station, what you will miss by driving....
You are flying into Zurich or Geneva? Here is a nice circle tour...you are coming in from the north. You can stop by one of the Italian lakes en route. This is a beautiful area. Perhaps head to the Cinque Terre (CT). We were in Vernazza last year (RickStevesVille). Despite being overrun with Americans (in may many trips to the UK I met maybe 4 Americans outside of London). Nevertheless, the CT is fantastic. Then go southeast to Florence.
As many have extolled on this forum, Florence is must for many reasons. I highly recommend Tourist Home Ghiberti (see TripAdvisor - it is more like a boutique hotel than a "tourist home"). It is a block from the Duomo and a gorgeous place and Claudio is a superb host.
I'd say forget about Rome. Too much driving and although I did not get there, it is one place veteran visitors have told me "another big city despite some of the attractions". I am sure there are persons on the site will extol Rome...
So from Florence you could stay a day in a Tuscan hill town. Or head northeast to Venice. Certainly an iconic city. Glad I saw it. If I never go back, that is ok. But my son and his girlfriend claim it is their favorite Italian city. Did have the best shellfish (prawns) there I ever had. And the best gelato (better than Florence).
Gotta head north to get to CH right? Go north from Venice into the Dolomites. if you have time, check our Castelrotto. Beautiful.