This is our 2nd trip to Italy and we want to travel from Florence and possibly see Siena or Lucca, and then go to Cinque Terre. We will then train to Rome and fly out the following day back home. We have been to Florence but would like to start there and spend two days and then venture to the above itinerary. We have twelve days for travel so it's a full ten days doing the itinerary. Any suggestions on how to split up our time? We are planning on taking a train once we land in Rome in the early morning straight to Florence and start the trip!
Posted by
Chicago
8120 posts
Florence 2 days
To Siena 3 days
To Lucca 3 days
To Monterosso Al made (Cinque Terre) 3 days
To Rome 1 night
Posted by
OP
Chicago
36 posts
Thank you for your breakdown! Wondering if you would pick either Sienna or Lucca instead of both? They both look amazing and have a lot to see and of course wonderful food. If we pick just one we might have more time in Cinque Terre which they recommend at least 3 nights/4days. pros? Cons?
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7866 posts
What time of year?
The CT is great during warm weather, less so in the off season. The other issue is that some of the towns in season can get terribly crowded to the point of "not worth it". You can manage some of this through selection of town, but time of year makes a difference.
We have been to Siena, very nice, laid back most of the time, good food and wine. Not been to Lucca, but if I had a few days and food was important, I would venture further North to Parma, Modena, and Bologna area for some options.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
You can day trip 5 Terre from either Florence or Lucca, but easier from Lucca. You probably don't need that much time assigned to the two (Lucca and 5 Terre).
Here's an idea:
Add a day to Florence and another to Siena. Day trip to San Gimignano from Siena and maybe Voterra too. Day trip to Vinci or Montecatini Alto from Florence.