My wife are I are going to Italy in mid-April. This will be our fist trip to Europe. We would appreciate your suggestions regarding our tentative itineray. We plan to leave Rome with a rental car, drop it off in Florence and take the train to Venice.
Rome 4 nights
Serrento 3 nights
Orvieto 2 nights
Assisi 1 night
Siena 2 nights
Lucca 1 night
Vernazza 3 nights
Florence 2 nights
Venice 3 nights
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Regarding drivng in Florence, this discussion thread will be of interest:
http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=28422
Other areas that experienced Italy travelers usually avoid driving in are:within the congested area of Romeanywhere within or close to Naplesto the Cinque Terre
Some/many first timers to Italy find that driving a rental car in Italy is...different from here.
Some experienced travelers say: in Italy, if trains go there, take the train. One of the few areas of Italy where train service is not efficient is Tuscany.
Posted by
Marin, CA
527 posts
Not sure why you want a car. All your places are so accessible for trains/buses. Cars are stressful to park, and avoid tickets,thefts and damages. It's not like driving here. I like your choices and you have enough time to enjoy them. If you can fly home from Venice it would be nice.
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
Just as a suggestion, for this trip I'd consider deleting one night stops (Lucca and Assisi) and combining your days (4 nights) in Florence and Siena and stay in one and take a day trip to the other. You could add an extra night(s) to Rome, Venice, or another city that you'd like to spend more time in.