Hi, I’ve read a lot of itineraries for Rome, Tuscany and Venice and I’m trying to put it all together and I’m asking for your 2 cents. Please feel free to input what not to miss and if our plans are too ambitious. We are planning on leaving California on a Monday, landing in Rome on a Tuesday, checking into an Airbnb and walking around, getting a few groceries. Wednesday doing the Pope address with reserved seating, then touring the Sistine Chapel and Vatican museum. Thursday tour Colosseum- guided tour- afternoon walking around Spanish steps, etc. Friday is up for suggestions. Saturday- train to Tuscany and stay one night in a fabulous hotel with a great pool to just swim, relax and eat! We want to decompress from the bustle of Rome. Sunday, travel to Lucca Airbnb. Monday day trip to Cinque Terre and hike between cities, Tuesday explore Lucca, Wednesday and Friday are day trips to Florence. Thursday hang out in Lucca OR day trip to Pisa and Livorno??? Saturday travel by train to Venice. Sunday & Monday explore Venice. Tuesday- fly home. Any must see, must do, tours, day trips, suggestions for restaurants (looking for good food, not fancy or expensive) would be very much appreciated!!! TIA
Posted by
Irving
2943 posts
In Apr, RSE has a Best of IT guide coming out and in Dec, his 2021 book will be available. You can download an electronic version from his app.
One of my favorite self guided walks is the Dolce Vita Stroll that begins at Piazza del Popolo, Rome's oldest and most beautiful square. Another spectacular one is his Night Walk Across Rome. Seeing the Colosseum illuminated at night is also well worth taking a taxi to. The area around the Spanish Steps is overrated so I would focus on the two self guided walks. Rome's best neighborhood is Trastevere and if there's a self guided walk there take it. This bohemian area is very artsy and worth eating a meal in. If you can sleep here do it.
Have you considered going to Pisa from Rome (there's a direct 3h train, check www.bahn.com)? You can take direct trains to Monterosso (Cinque Terre) and Lucca making it an easier base for train travel. From Pisa, I would take a direct train to Florence. Make sure you purchase tickets for the Uffizi and Academia online ASAP. I would also take RSs self-guided walking tour(s) here too. You can then take a direct train to Venice.
Posted by
Spokane, WA, USA
191 posts
I wouldn’t go out if my way to see Livorno. I mean, there is a wall, but Lucca’s is much better and more accessible.
Posted by
Spokane, WA, USA
191 posts
Is there a way you could just spend 2-3 nights in Florence? You’ll spend a lot of time in transit going on two separate days. Really, the trains aren’t all that much fun, especially for the kids.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11154 posts
Ostia Antica for the open day in Rome would be a good use of time.
Posted by
Boston
1690 posts
Forget Livorno, time is better spent in Pisa. If you research the town, you'll enjoy the areas away from the Piazza dei Miracoli. Depending on the ages, you could get tickets ahead and climb the tower to give the kids and the adults a thrill. Why don't you ask the kids to plan your Friday in Rome? It will get them participating and might produce some sympathy toward their tour guides. Depending on the teen's age, this book might help their imagination: A Day in the Life of Ancient Rome, Alberto Angela.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you for all your input! I changed our itinerary to include 3 nights in Florence instead of going back and forth from Lucca. We are forgetting Livorno and we are checking out Ostia Antica our last day in Rome. I so appreciate all the suggestions!