Hello all -- I'm planning on traveling to Italy for 8 days in early July. My bf is an archaeologist and will be finishing up a six week dig on the southern west coast. I'm flying into Rome to meet him, and we're flying back home together (from Rome). My bf has been to Italy many times, so he's up for anything I want; however, this will be my first visit, and I'm finding all of the information somewhat overwhelming (this will also be my first time traveling internationally). My idea of the perfect vacation would be seeing some of the major sites, good food, wine and not total exhaustion (I dream of Tuscany in the spring). My initial thoughts for the visit were 2 nights in Rome, 2 nights in Florence, 3 nights in Venice with a final night in Rome before our early flight the final morning. I'm wondering, however, if this is too aggressive of a travel schedule based on what I've read in some of these forums. Rome is obviously a must because it's our landing zone; I've heard Venice is not to be missed, but it seems Florence might offer more of the Italian vacation we are looking for. My bf lived in Orvieto for a while and would love to spend some time there, as well, which also sounds like it might be an option for a more relaxing day trip. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
The trip you have proposed will be far from relaxing. The cities in the summer are crowded, chaotic and hot... so, if you boyfriend has spent time/lived in Italy why not let him choose? It seems like he would know better the pace you would like to travel. If you want it relaxing then a smaller village in Tuscany for a few days ... with 8 days you don't have a lot of time. Moving around a lot will definitely add to the stress.
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
What you are proposing sounds pretty exhausting, particularly in July. I would suggest spending your time in Rome or splitting it between Rome and one other city.
Since your boyfriend is interested in returning to Orvieto, you might consider spending your time there and in Rome. It's a lovely town, with a beautiful duomo, an enjoyable historical center for wandering, beautiful views, Etruscan sites, and good food and wine. Plus it's only about an hour from Rome by train, so you're not going to be wasting a lot of touring time in transit.
When you think about visiting several cities, keep in mind that you lose AT LEAST a half day of touring time each time you change cities.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Can you meet up in Venice and end in Rome? Still fast-paced, but perhaps 2 nights Venice, 2 nights Florence, the rest Rome with a daytrip to Orvieto?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16270 posts
8 nights aren't a lot.
If you intend to cover Venice, Florence and Rome, the most efficient way would be to fly into Venice, work your way south to Rome via train, then return home from Rome.
So you would do for example:
Venice 2 nights
Florence 3 nights
Rome 3 nights
If your flight is firm in and out of Rome, you should go immediately to Venice (the furthest point) via train upon arrival on the first day. It's about 4 hours by train from Rome and there are 2 trains that go directly from the airport without having to change at Roma Termini.
I don't think you have a lot of time for day trips since 3 nights are only 2 full days. But if you want cut Rome or Florence short, you could take a day trip to Siena from Florence (75 min each way by bus or 90 min by train) and/or a day trip to Orvieto from Rome (70 min each way).
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks all for your responses! It did seem like a lot to potentially jam into 8 days while still relaxing. We are thinking about omitting Venice entirely this trip and keeping it to Rome and Florence for the eight days (with a day trip to Orvieto and at least one day trip/winery tour from Florence) -- possibly 4 nights in Rome, 3 nights in Florence, and then the final night in Rome before our early flight the next morning. Any good suggestions for wine bus tours from Florence? Private tours would be out of budget, but a small/mid-size bus tour could be fun. Possible car rental option, as well, though I've read parking in Florence can be a nightmare...maybe pick a car up for a day and explore the Tuscan countryside? THANKS AGAIN for any suggestions!! :)