Hello! We will be having our first trip to Italy in August 2020. I know it will be hot and busy but we are working around a particular cruise from Venice to Rome so we have to go with it. I have a rough itinerary starting in Rome for after the cruise but I can’t decide whether to go to Florence or Lake Como (Belagio). Any advice will be so much appreciated. We are looking at moderate pricing, and we like to try to experience the local feel of places rather than high tourist ‘must do’ places. Here we go..
Option 1: 4 nights Rome; 3 nights Florence; 4 nights Cinque Terra OR Santa Margherita Ligure (can’t decide that either!); 1 night Milan before flying back to Australia.
Option 2: 4 nights Rome; 4 nights Cinque Terra OR Santa Margherita Ligure; 3 nights Como; 1 night Milan before flying home. I’m looking forward to receiving your advice. Thanks in advance. Lulu
Posted by
872 posts
Re the Cinque TerrE or SML, consult the cruise ship schedule:
http://crew-center.com/la-spezia-italy-cruise-ship-schedule-2020
On Lake Como, Varenna would normally be considered a better destination than the town of Como.
Posted by
11505 posts
August? No to theCinque Terre, cruise ship mobs. . Florence is a treasure trove of art. Lake Como ( not the city of Como) is a beautiful lake lined by alpine mountains. Which experience would you prefer? If you cancel that cruise and do a land tour, you’ll have a better feel for Italy and could really see more of the country.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Como is a town on lake como but is not the charm and beauty of the usual high points to see.
Most people choose Bellagio or Varenna to enjoy la dolce vita. Florence is quite different as a blockbuster of world class museums, sights and history to absorb and enjoy.
Florence is a must experience, imo.
Posted by
OP
Melbourne
3 posts
Thank you. I did mean Lake Como. I’ve updated my question. So hard to decide!
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Florence and Lake Como would be very different experiences. Florence would offer a lot of options, from a major museum to a family day at a municipal pool, but it will be hot, crowded and a lot of good restaurants will be closed. It's also a good transportation hub for Tuscan day trips. Lake Como is a resort destination and August is a big vacation month for Europeans, so everything will likely be open. It should be cooler than Florence but with fewer options for activities. I think you could find lodgings within your budget in either location. You'll just have to weigh the pluses and minuses of each location and decide which is the better fit for your trip.
Posted by
Portland, OR
1121 posts
For that time of year, I would choose Bellagio. Either way, it’s going to be hot and crowded so be sure to reserve now and make sure your hotel has AC.
Also, I would choose SML over the Cinque Terra. Or Camogli if you’re wanting an even smaller town.
Posted by
OP
Melbourne
3 posts
Thanks so much for your responses. A bit to ponder...