In June my husband and I will travel to Italy for the first time. We fly into Venice (arrive late afternoon) and depart from Rome, which leaves us15 full days to explore Italy. We would welcome some advice about our itinerary. Here’s our tentative itinerary: 3 nights in Venice (includes night we arrive); 3 nights in Milan (allows us to visit Cinque Tierre and surrounding areas); two nights in Florence (I would really like to visit Bolongna); three or four nights in the Tuscany region; and four or five nights in Rome. We’ve researched accommodations in Tuscany/Umbria and are uncertain as where to stay at this point. The all seem so inviting. We thought about renting a car upon leaving Florence (so that we can freely travel the countryside of Tuscany) and dropping it off in Orvieto or at the airport in Rome. Any input will be appreciated.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
At first I thought it was nice because you're spending a couple of nites in each place instead of the 1 or 2 many people do, but then reading again I think you've underestimated some of the times and distances. For example Milan to CT is a longish day. The 2 nites in Florence really will turn out to be 1 day with another spent to/from Bologna. I must admit my prejudices which is less-is-more, meaning that setting up for a few days and using that as a base to explore is better than moving on every 2 or 3 days.
As food for thought, I'd suggest dropping Milan if its CT you want to see and going for 2 nites in CT and then adding the 3rd day onto Florence. Staying in CT and walking around during the day, relaxing over a fine meal at nite, to me that's part of the charm and you don't get that on a day trip. Also I'd drop Bologna and save it for another trip; then with 3 days in Florence you can see the great art, shop for leather, Boboli gardens, go to the top of the church for the view, etc. But its nice to do it at a relaxed pace rather than having every 2-3 hours mapped out.
By saving Milan & Bologna for another trip you can give these regions the attention they deserve; I've spent 2-3 days in Bologna twice and thought there was still more to see. Its the food capital of Italy, and day trips to Parma and other cities are fun as well as Bologna itself with the miles of covered walkways.
Posted by
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
536 posts
Hi Sue - After taking many groups throughout my Country I would suggest - Leave Milano for another time -
For Tuscany as a base of operations to see the region - my friends B&B - http://www.casolarelibbiano.it/
A beautiful property just outside of San Gimignano and close to Siena, Volterra, and Florence.
Berta and her husband Andrea are wonderful hosts.
In Cinque Terre check out Carla's website -
http://www.nerinarooms.it/ Directly on The Harbor in Vernazza and next to Al Castello.
In Roma - http://www.hotelforte.com/en/index.htm
Directly at The Spanish Steps and easy walking to The Via Veneto, The Trevi Fountain, and The Roman Forum. On Via Veneto you can pick up an open air bus and see the major sights of the city, getting off and back on as often as you like. Emanuel and Emanuella run the front desk and can answer any questions you may have.
In Venezia - http://www.hotelcasanova.it/
Located Directly behind Piazza San marco and easy walking to Rialto and the major sights. My friends Franco, Dario, and Stefano run the front desk - A very nice Hotel - FREE breakfast and tickets to Murano and Burano.
Ciao, Greg
Posted by
Singapore
354 posts
hi Sue, I agree about skipping Milan and spending 2 nights in CT instead. Do either Milan & Lake Como or CT. Then 3 or 4 nights in Florence with one day being a trip to Bologna, if you have your heart set on visiting Bologna. Or you could take a day out of your "three or four nights in the Tuscany region". Make it three instead of four? Everyone has their own dream destinations, and if Bologna is one of yours, make time for it. I'm sure other posters will now chime in and say, "2 full days in Venice isn't enough!"