My husband and I have 11 days in Italy, with airfare in/out of Venice. The original plan was 3 nights in Venice, then a cruise. We have decided not to do the cruise. I then thought to keep the 3 nights in Venice, but do a week in Tuscany, either at a farmhouse or in a medieval type town...(see other post). Now....I am wondering if we shouldn't do Northern Italy, like Lake Como and the Alps, as my husband hates heat (and crowds). I am thinking this would make Southern Italy a no go.... We did France, Switzerland and Germany a few years ago, and loved going to a vineyard in France, and also loved the Alps. We did that trip driving ourselves and staying 1-3 nights in each place. Last year we did a family trip with our boys and rented houses/cottages in England and Scotland, again driving ourselves. Loved having the homebase and doing day trips, and also cooking for ourselves some nights. Not sure what we should do? This is our 20th anniversary trip, and I want it to be fun, but not too hectic. Any suggestions? We love small places, as opposed to big cities, and we love eating in little cafes. We are not into museums, or art.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
You don't say when you'll be there. Time of year makes a big difference in where you might want to go.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Sandi, Given the fact that you'll be flying both inbound and outbound from Venice, I'd suggest limiting your trip to northern Italy (especially with only 11 days). Some of the places you could consider: > Dolomites - Castelrotto > Lago di Como - Varenna & Bellagio (Varenna is a perfect location for a 20th anniversary!) > Lago Maggiore - Stresa (with a day trip to Locarno, Switzerland on the scenic Cento Valli railway, returning in the afternoon on a leisurely cruise, or you could perhaps spend a night in Locarno and return the following day? > Verona > Cinque Terre (depending on when you'll be there - it will be crowded in the summer, but certainly fits the description of "small places" and "little cafés", and you won't have Museums or Art Galleries there). > Tuscany - Florence or Siena > Lugano You can easily travel to all of those locations via train or Bus, so a car wouldn't be needed. It should be easy to plan a "loop" from Venice and then back, but be sure to allow adequate time for transportation between locations (usually half a day for each change of location). You might find it helpful to have a look at the Italy Guidebook, as that will help you narrow down the type of places you're looking for. Happy travels!
Posted by
Portland, OR
282 posts
Last year we did a tour of Northern Italy, flying into Venice, then we rented a car and stayed in Asolo for 3 nights (Albergo al Sole), visiting neighboring small towns and vineyards. Then we stayed outside of Cormons for 3 nights (very nice room at the Russiz Superiore winery) where we did the same thing, visited neighboring towns and wineries and cheese producers. I would highly recommend it and plan on returning to the area soon. We loved the people, the food and the scenery was gorgeous!
Posted by
OP
Fredericton, New Brunsw, Canada
103 posts
I knew you would all come up with some great ideas :) I really thought I wanted to do Tuscany, but Northern Italy sounds so wonderful too....tough choice! We are going June 29-July9, so it will be warm, and summer crowds. As a teacher, I don't really have much choice. Keep the ideas coming!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16376 posts
Do you envision renting a car when you leave Venice, or would you like to travel everywhere by train? Lakes, mountains, good food and wine, hiking, active vs. relaxation . . . what do you especially like? (And yes, you can answer "all of them" as that would be good to know too!"
Posted by
OP
Fredericton, New Brunsw, Canada
103 posts
We would like to rent a car from Venice, we really do love driving in the countryside..... We love vineyards, medieval towns, cafes, and wine (of course). We do enjoy hiking, but only if it isn't hot out, so probably more if we went north. I am really torn between Tuscany and Northern Italy ( we LOVED Switzerland ). I think Tuscany would be a new experience, and we would really enjoy the towns. However, I know the climate in northern Italy would appeal to my husband, as well as the mountain views. I just want the trip to be romantic and not too busy. I have found both a farmhouse we like in the countryside in Tuscany, and an apartment in a small village where you could go to cafes at night. I have not found anything up north yet, as I don't have any idea where a good base would be? or if it makes more sense to move around up north? Help!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
sandi, As you're planning to rent a car, a few "caveats" regarding driving in Italy..... It's important to note that for driving in Italy, each driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any CAA/AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some cases are provided by the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! Have a look at This Website for more detailed information on driving in Italy. You may also want to search other Posts here regarding the Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many towns in Italy (especially Florence!). EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! In some locations, parking tickets or having "The Boot" applied will also be a concern. A GPS along with a good Map would also be a good idea. Be sure to also give some thought to the question of CDW. If you accept the CDW offered by the rental firm, it will be expensive but will provide "peace of mind". Some "premium" credit cards provide rental vehicle insurance, however I've found this to be somewhat complicated so I just accept that offered by the rental firm. Check the Car Rental section in Europe Through The Back Door for further information. Cheers!