We will be spending 8 days in Italy this summer. So far, the itinerary is below. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am actually not including travel days. These will be full days in each area. 2 days in Venice 2 days in Florence/ Seina (want to do a wine tour day trip) 2 days in CT 2 days in Rome.
I am concerned we may be tight on time and would consider choosing between Florence/Seina or CT to give us more time. I welcome thoughts and suggestions.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23653 posts
I am not a big fan of 2 day stops since they are really one day of sightseeing when you factor in wasted time of travel, checking in and out of hotels, finding the hotels, waiting for train, getting oriented in the new location. etc. I would save Venice for another trip since it is some distance for the other locations. Or as you suggested drop CT. Assume you are using an open jaw ticket.
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
I would choose Florence over anywhere in the world, but it depends on your interests. If art/architecture/history are important, I'd suggest you choose Florence; if outdoor activities are of more interest, you might prefer CT. Both choices would offer interesting scenery, just different. And if you are interested in Florence/Siena, 2 days is tight, particularly if you want to do a wine tour; Siena as a day trip would take one full day, add a wine day trip and you're not going to have any time for Florence. So I'd drop CT and add those days to Florence, or split them between Florence and Venice, depending on your interests.
Posted by
Long Beach, CA, USA
360 posts
the itinerary is too rushed I would eliminate at least one location I know it's a tough choice but Venice-Florence and Rome need more time. 2 days is ok for CT but everywhere needs more time. you need to decide what areas interest you most and which area you can put off until your next trip summer travel will be crowded and things take longer than you anticipate
Italy is best enjoyed at a slower pace
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15798 posts
". . . not including travel days. These will be full days in each area. . . " From this I gather that you have about 11-12 days on the ground, with 3-night stays in at least 2 of your destinations. In that case, it looks fine. You should have at least 1/2 day to sightsee on each travel day.
Posted by
OP
Kansas City
11 posts
Thank you all so much for your help and advice. I really want to do everything but I know I will just have to plan a repeat trip! I think I will slow it down a little and split time between Venice and Florence/Seina this trip and save CT for another trip!
Posted by
Costa Mesa
348 posts
I agree with your revised plan 3 days 3 days and 2 days so much more peaceful. Take in the areas and enjoy. I may do 3 in rome as a choice over Venice for 3
Posted by
St Louis
411 posts
Kim
You can also maximize your time by reserving entry times at the important museums (those that are important to you) or booking tours. Also booking accommodations close to the major attractions is a great idea for a short stay. Plan out the "must sees" for you and your travel partner(s) and use the top sites as your foundation, then fill in with items further down the list as time permits. CT is lovely, but I think you are making a wise choice to save it for another trip. There are some wonderful wine tours out of Florence and a day tour that goes to San G and Siena. You can prebook the David and Ufizzi to avoid wasting a lot of time in line. You can also prebuy tickets for the Vatican Museums at their website that get you in without a long line. There are also suggestions in the RS Italy guide for avoiding long lines at the Colosseum as well. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
Kim, as much as we love the CT area, your decision to wait until the next trip makes sense. Have a great first trip to Italy!