Italy

When planning a trip I like to make a "hit list" of the the 4-5 things I really want to see/do. For different people this will take a lot of different forms. Then I make a list of things I would like to see and do. Lastly I make a list of things I would like to see if its convenient. From there, using guidebooks and factoring in budget and time constraints, I start to make a rough plan. Its a wonderful time to be in Italy.

Best way to start is buy Rick Steves Italy 2010. No, we do not work to them but it was great 3 years ago and we are starting on a 2-month trip monday. we knew nothing about the country and traveled all over Italy for a month. Rick never steered us wrong on lodging, food or transportation.

Jerry & Stelly

As there are four of you, I'd suggest you draw up a list of each person's interests, must-sees and must-visits, and discuss what's most important before you make a final decision on where to go. History? Art? Food and wine? Shopping? Beautiful cities vs countryside? Which cities? which area of the country? and so on. Read a guidebook first. Most first-time travellers to Italy generally hit the 'big three' cities: Rome, Florence, Venice. Since you have three weeks, you could mix it up with side-trips to another one or two travellers' favourite places like Cinque Terre, the Lakes, Tuscan hilltowns, Amalfi coast.

Add to the guidebook advise, watch some videos about Italy so you can see different areas.

Also, get a good map so you can study where the cities are that you want to see, and what hidden gems might be near by. Having a map will also help you design your route - no backtracking.

Enjoy! I still remember the amazement I felt during my first travels in Italy.

The best thing someone told me before we left, flying into Rome, it is normal to see soldiers with guns - don't worry about that! It was pre-911 so security was not what it is today.

Sheree, after you do some research and determine where you want to go and what you want to see, come back to the forum and post those cities/towns with a possible itinerary. We can then help you with suggestions on routes, accommodations, etc. Also, you can use this website and traveler's helpline to get info on accommodations, etc. At the top of this forum for Italy, click on "Get answers to your questions — searching Rick's Archives". Click on Steve's first entry and enter a search word. You'll get a list of all entries for that subject.

Do you already have flight reservations? If not, and if you can swing it financially (or maybe you have frequent flyer miles), try to fly into one city and out of another. Example: Fly into Rome and out of Venice, or vice versa.

Sounds like a fun time for you and your friends. Get back to us soon--we're here to help.

It is very easy to get from city to city by train. They are user-friendly and usually run on schedule. You can see schedules and prices on the Trenitalia website.

Some rural areas are much more accessible by car, for instance, much of Tuscany. Driving in Italy is not for the faint-hearted, but also not impossible. There are a few pitfalls to be avoided, so if you are considering a car rental, check back on the helpline with your details, to get specific advice.

Sheree,

As you're "new to Europe travel", my first suggestion would be to pre-read the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door. That will provide lots of valuable information on how to travel well in Europe.

As someone else suggested, the Italy 2010 Guidebook would be an excellent idea also. It contains a wealth of information on not only the major sights (opening & closing times, which days they're closed, admission costs, local tours, etc), but also good Hotel and restaurant suggestions, how to get around, etc.

It would help to know where you're planning on travelling in Italy? I've found "the best way to travel" is usually via train (high speed where possible). Open jaw flights are usually the most efficient travel method (have you booked flights yet?).

If you have questions on specific sights in Italy, I'm sure the group here can offer lots of tips.

Cheers!

Thanks for all the great advice. At this time we hope to see Rome, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Naples. We are looking into open-jaw flights. Any specific advice on booking flights would be great as I think that is probably our next step. I should add that my husband and I were in Italy 5 years ago on a cruise. We have seen a few sights, on a very limited time schedule and planned out by the tour company, but felt it was just a tease and want to see more. The other couple have not been to Italy at all.

Sheree,

Regarding flight options, given your location the options will probably be limited.

While you can use kayak.com or other sites, it's also a good idea to check the airline websites. You may also want to speak with a travel agent to get some ideas.

Your two best choices will probably be Air Canada or Air Transat (although unfortunately Air Transat doesn't offer flights to Rome from Calgary - you'd have to depart from Vancouver and they likely won't be starting those for the year until sometime in June). If you're flying to & from Rome, you may find that Air Canada provides the best flight timing (probably with a change in Toronto or Frankfurt). Incidentally, I'll be travelling again this year with AC, as they were best able to fit my schedule (which has also been the case on past trips).

Given the locations you want to visit, you might consider an inbound flight to Milan (probably change in Frankfurt) and outbound from Rome. Using open jaw flights will avoid the time and expense of returning to your starting point.

Cheers!

I would take more time to work out the itinerary before booking tickets. Once you book the flights, you are locked in. 3 weeks sounds like a lot of time when you start planning. Then you calculate travel times between destinations and you might discover that you are spreading yourselves too thin.

The best advice is to buy and read the latest RS Italy book as your starting point. Then come back here with more specific questions.

Best wishes!