Help with 3 week ittinerary

Hi Diane,

I think this itinerary looks good, and that four nights in Rome and Florence is enough, though four nights in Venice is a lot, IMHO. I was there for only two nights, and that was enough for me. Don't get me wrong, I really liked Venice, it was great to wander around, but I don't think it deserves the same amount of time as Rome and Florence.

As for the Cinque Terre vs. Amalfi Coast debate, everyone has a different opinion on this, but it depends on what you want to do. Amalfi has more actual sights - you could go to Naples for a day and see the Archaeological Museum, spend a day at Pompeii, plus visit the villages and spend time relaxing on the beaches (depending on what time of year you go). However, if you just want to relax, I think that the Cinque Terre is a better choice. Amalfi is beautiful, but the CT is breath-taking. The villages are charming to walk around, the people are very friendly, and the trail between the villages is a lot of fun. Plus, I found it less expensive than Amalfi. Again, it depends on what you want to do and see. The CT does not really have any actual sights, other than strolling through the villages and shopping, but it is stunning.

Diane: I'm confused, in your original post you ask whether you should skip the Cinque Terre, but I don't even see the Cinque Terre anywhere in your itinerary? You're not thinking that Follonica or Maremma are in the CT, are you? Follonica is about 140 miles south of the CT, and Maremma (if you mean the park south of Follonica) is even farther away from the CT.

Is it just two people?
Rome and Venice are great for 4 days if its just two people relaxing. If its a family 3 days in each is OK to see all the sights. We loved Amalfi, Sorrento, all that coast. Id get a guide in ROME (we did) to make the most of your time.

Diane,
To be quite honest, you simply cannot "see" it all in 21 days. We have been back and forth so often that i have yet to feel as if i have seen and done it all. Must be why i am trying to find a way in order to relocate to Rome or Florence -lol. I would hate to take away days from any city in italy as i Love them all but one thing i must say is that 4 nights in venice is quite alot if you are still planning to see other parts of italy. I would actually add another day to Rome as you can spend half the day at Vatican City alone. Four nights in Florence should be enough to give you a nice intro to the city of culture but i am confused about Maremma as well. are you refering to Cinque Terre?

I'd either subtract a day from Venice, or (my better suggestion) use it as a base and spend 1 of the days visiting some of the nearby towns. Some of the most important frescoes in Western art are at the Scrovegni chapel in Padua, and there are other towns (Verona, etc) you could see; all right on the train line from Venice.

I like idea of 4 nights in Venice--especially since it's your first destination. It takes a day or so to adjust to the time change. Then, I agree with the idea of using Venice as a base for visiting Verona and Padua. Some would disagree, but I'd be inclined to take a night from Florence and add it to Rome. If it's a choice between Amalfi and Cinque Terre, I'd opt for Cinque Terre.

I'd skip the short trip to Pisa unless you really want to see the tower. That's all that's there!!!!!

Thank you so much to everyone contributing to my wealth of knowlege.

Here is my latest and greatest ittinerary. I think this one may be penciled in with a #2 pencil.

3 nts Venice
Train from Venice to Verona
1 nt Verona
Train from Verona to Vernazza
3 nts Cinque Terre
Train from Cinque Terre to Florence
3 nts Florence
Train from Florence to Siena
3 nts Siena (or ? horseback riding Agri-T)
Train from Siena to Rome
3 nts Rome
Train from Rome to Salerno (bus/Ravello)
3 nts Ravello (Amalfi)
Train from Salerno to Rome (bus/Ravello)

That's IT. 19 nights in accomodations.

I absolutely couldnt give up either Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast.

I am sacrificing "slow travel" I know. I was nearly cast out from there message board because I am trying to do more than 3 cities in 21 days! (just kidding) but they all really emphasize slowing down.

I promise on my NEXT trip. (Rick says ... "know you will return") I will slow down and see more of whatever region please me the most. I mean seriously.. I can't wait to stand there underneath David in his nakedness and feel awe inspired but ... that's sort of a once in a lifetime thing. No need to repeat!

I predict that my second trip to Italy will be split between Tuscany/Umbria and Sicily. (another subject all together)

Buon Viaggio per tutti

And I apologize, I dont know why my stuff is out of alignment.. it was "pretty" when I started and hit POST>

This is a good revised itinerary except, I'm confused about the Salerno portion of the trip--did you mean Sorrento (near Amalfi Coast) rather than Salerno (in Sicily)? Otherwise, it looks o.k.

I would definately choose Cinque Terre over Amalfi-there is more to do(5 towns close to each other)and although I liked Amalfi,it is smaller,and quite a journey to get there.Also it is built into the side of a hill,so it is a little difficult to get around unless you love climbing hills!