Hi, am planning a spring trip, our first to Italy. Been thinking we would arrive in Venice (4 nights), train to Florence (4 nights), and then train to Rome, (6 nights). Fly back to states from Rome. Appreciate any and all of your suggestions--staying too long? Too short in these places? Thanks for all your suggestions!! Appreciate hotel ideas too, moderate price, as long as they are safe and clean, small is okay, even though we are both TALL.....ha!!
Karen
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2456 posts
Karen, I think that plan sounds great. It is best to "settle in" for a few nights rather than move from one place and hotel to another, many times. You basically lose a half day whenever you move lodging, as beside the train ride you have checking in and out, getting to and from stations, waiting for trains, etc. One thing I would add is that, even though each of these three cities has many sites and experiences to offer, be sure to also experience some beautiful smaller towns, either as a day trip or even perhaps for a night. Especially, for instance from Venice to the islands of Burano and Torcello (no need for an overnight there); from Florence to any number of Tuscan small towns, rural areas and/or wineries; and from Rome to Orvieto, which is just over an hour north by train. I expect you'll love Italy!
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1074 posts
Venice, Florence and Rome are certainly the most popular (for good reasons!) places to visit in Italy. May I suggest a day trip (at least) from Florence to Siena? Take the bus, it's actually easier and has better scenery. It also lets you off right near the historic center of the city.
Hotels? Maybe let the hotel search be part of the fun? Using RS as a guide (and TripAdvisor as a backup) go to the hotel web sites. There are plenty of reviews, pictures and special packages that you won't find on any online reservation service. In Venice I always stay at the Hotel Ala - couldn't be more conveniently located. In Florence and Rome I always rent an apartment - which you certainly might want to consider - so I'm not help there. If you are watching the budget, an apartment has plenty of benefits including food shopping. No kidding, those produce and meat/fish markets are an experience unto themselves!
Whatever you do . . . take time to enjoy yourselves! Don't just "see the sights". Every once in a while turn left or right and get off the main tourist itinerary. There is magic to be found and memories to be treasured. You won't see everything, you won't do everything so keep a list for next time and start planning it on the plane ride home.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I have a new favorite hotel in Roma, Hotle Fori Imperiali Cavalieri, a block from Via Cavour and a short walk to the Colosseo.
I find hotels on booking.com, you can filter by location, price, amenities; and read reviews from recent guests. Lots of photos, too. I always get the free cancellation price (free cancellation within a specified time frame).
In Firenze, I like Hotel Bigallo near the Baptistery or Hotel Paris near the train station.
Posted by
OP
Dallas
141 posts
Thank you all for your great suggestions, I appreciate your taking the time to share your advice! Will definitely do some day trips, and check out the suggested hotels!
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
I think your times look perfect, if you wanted to change something then 3 days in Florence might be too much so a day trip would be good, but there is a lot in Florence as well.
I would suggest, as I have done this, that you hire a guide in Rome for a day or two and see all the important sites and sights. Then you would have 3-4 days to explore on your own, in and around Rome. Hadrian's Villa, Tivoli, Ostia Antica are all easy trips from Rome itself with lots to see.
Watch out though, you will fall in love with Venice and might not want to leave!!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Unless you are particularly religious I think 4 nights in Rome is plenty enough. Perhaps then split your time in Tuscany with 3 nights each in Florence and Siena.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Agree with Zoe, use booking. Com. Unlike trip advisor, only if you stay in the Accomodations can you post a review. Their process is easy to use, and if you use their cancel option and find something more to your liking you're not locked in.
Use the filter to find the amenities you want. We have used them for apartments with great luck too.
Posted by
17 posts
Hi,
I agree 4 nights in Rome is plenty. My husband and I are pretty adventurous and feel like we got all we could out of it in 4 nights. I recommend Castle St. Angelo in Rome which is open relatively late and you can walk out to vatican at night. Great view.
WE loved florence. We stayed 3 nights and it was enough. I do recommend Como area or the lake district......also Cinque Terre I heard was amazing. Considering you have a lot of time I would take two nights away from Rome and distribute somewhere else.