My wife and I are planning a two week trip to Italy in early November, or later in the month if we find a deal on a repositioning cruise. I am thinking of flying into Venice, spend 3-4 days there, train to Florence, 3-4 days there and the rest of the time in Rome. Are there other places we should try to get to? Any comments and suggestions are appreciated.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16234 posts
If you have 13 nights available in Italy, I would do: 3 nights in Venice (1 day for Venice, 1 day for Burano+Murano) 5 nights in Florence (2 days for Florence, 1 day trip to Pisa+Lucca and 1 day trip to Siena)
5 nights in Rome (3 days for Rome and maybe 1 day for Hadrian villa at Tivoli or Orvieto). If you have more than 13 nights, you can add to Venice and take a day trip to Padua or Vicenza or Verona. Or you can add them to Florence and visit some other city in Tuscany (Arezzo?, San Gimignano+Volterra?). Or you can add to Rome. Whatever you prefer. The point is that that time of the year you should stay in cities/towns since the countryside (like Chianti) or the seaside (like Cinque Terre) are not really that enjoyable. Winters are best spent where you can spend time indoor, inside museums, exhibits, cathedrals etc.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I like Roberto's suggestions, too. But, unlike Chani, I loved Rome's atmosphere, particularly walking around in the later afternoon (the light made the buildings beautiful). Parts are hectic, but it was not hard to find charming parts too. If you want to spend time in smaller cities, you can have an overnight in Ferrara (between Venice and Florence). I haven't been to Orvieto, but others really like it (it's between Florence and Rome). I liked Padova a lot as well; a day trip from Venice is sufficient to see the highlights, but you can also stay overnight.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15798 posts
Okay, Rome is the only city I've been to in Italy that I don't like. The museums are terrific, there's nowhere like the Colosseum or St. Peter's, wonderful churches, etc. etc. but, for me, there's no aura. Venice is magical, great place to start, relax and soak it up while you get over the long flight and jetlag. One of my favorite places is Verona, which fits geographically between Venice and Florence. There's enough to see to fill up the better part of 2 days. Lots of atmosphere in the evenings, when the locals go out. Florence - if you love Renaissance art and architecture, especially sculpture, 3-4 days is a must. If not, one day is probably enough, so stay in Siena and daytrip there.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
I totally agree with Roberto's suggestions about how to spend your time. If you have an extra day I would use it in Venice. I also agree with Chani about Rome, Venice and Florence.
Posted by
Sunnyside, New York, United States
439 posts
Hi, Roberto plan is a good one. My husband & I were there last November. There was an awful lot of rain. We missed the flood in Venice, however, we did get to experience the Tuscany flood. Many of the outlying areas (Orvieto train station, A1 highway) were flooded. We didn't get to see as much of Italy as we had planned & it took longer to get to from one place to another but we still enjoyed it. Just bring a waterproof jacket, shoes & umbrella. Layers work well because, it was 40-50ish in Florence & Venice. 75 in Rome. We were there from Nov 3-21. Earlier is better. Thanks, Mary