I'm hoping for some helpful suggestions in finalizing our itinerary... the only constant we have now is flight to Rome and out of Venice (it was the best option we had with our timeframe and desire for nonstop flights). We have 10 days and that includes flying days. We are contemplating Rome, Florence, Venice (the obvious "connect the dots") but torn on doing Cinque Terre and Lake Como instead. I guess you could say we're torn on doing more sight-seeing or more relaxation (with CT and the Lakes). We are only doing train travel so with only 10 days, I don't even know if train travel from Rome to CT and/or the lakes is feasible time-wise, and then a flight out of Venice. Obviously if we try to to CT and the Lakes we will have to cut out Florence. Any input would be appreciated. I know they say you just have to commit to going back... which I'm sure sure we will. Just a bit overwhelming trying to plan the first trip! We are going end of October if that helps with recommendations for cities/itinerary. Thanks so much!
Posted by
5253 posts
Cities and relaxation are not mutually exclusive.
I don't know about the lakes, but late October could be pretty iffy for Cinque Terre weather-wise. It is the last place I would want to be in rain.
I would consider splitting the time between Rome and Venice (more relaxing than splitting it three ways to wedge in Florence), and you could do some day trips to smaller towns.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
With only 10 days, I too would just visit Rome and Venice by having 5 days in Rome, a day in transfer and 4 in Venice.
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
1951 posts
You have just 8 days on the ground, the first of which is your arrival day and therefore only really 7 1/2 days realistically. And just 8 nights. If you divide those 8 nights among three destinations, it's 3 + 3 + 2. If you try 4 destinations, it's 2 + 2 + 2 + 2. And with the time it takes to move around, that will leave you very little time for sightseeing OR relaxation!
I think it would be a big mistake to do more than two cities. I'd recommend 5 nights in Rome and 3 nights in Venice, or you could do 4 and 4.
If you're really committed to a third destination, do 3 nights Rome, 3 nights Florence, and 2 nights Venice. But you will be short-changing all three destinations that way.
Posted by
Central Connecticut, USA
1103 posts
I agree with others who suggest limiting the trip to two stops. On our first trip to Italy, we spent 10 days in Rome, and on the second trip 10 days in Florence.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12036 posts
The uncertainty of weather at the end of October, makes CT or the "Lakes" a high risk proposition.
We are contemplating Rome, Florence, Venice (the obvious "connect the dots")
For your limited time, the 'keep it simple' approach is the way to go.
Posted by
Ontario Canada
688 posts
We were Vareena on Lake Como in October and it was miserable. The weather was very windy and cool. I agree with the others but certainly spend at least 2 full days in Venice. My favorite and I made sure this time we spent 2 days there as well. This made it 7 times in Venice. Fascinating. Keep to the back streets for sure.