We'll be travelling in Italy the latter half of September and would love some input on our itinerary. So far we're staying 3 nights in Cinque Terre (coming from Antibes), 3 nights in Venice, 3 in Florence and 5 nights in Rome... Should we decrease our time in Venice, Florence and Rome by a day in order to go the Almafi Coast? Or should we keep it the way it is?
Thanks,
Deanna
WOW - I think what you have is great and would hate to see you add ANY more. Save the southern part of Italy for you next trip. There are certainly "day-trips" you can take, especially from Florence and Rome, if you feel you need more variety... but I would SEE MORE OF LESS.... and enjoy it!
Have a great time - Ciao,
Ron
I agree with with Ron. The Almafi Coast is wonderful, but you could easily stay in that area a week. Just start planning a second trip. You could even combine a trip to Sicily with the Amalfi Coast...a week each. Ashley
I think you got it just about right (and I'm glad to see you are spending sufficient time in Rome). You will remember really getting into each of the towns on your list....if you try to cram more stops in, it will only dilute the experience. If you've already made reservations, great. If you haven't and if you have trouble getting reservations in CT you might think about staying in Sestri Levante or Santa Margherita Ligure. Both offer very nice alternatives to the CT, but are close enough that you can easily day trip there. Our impression of Vernazza last Oct...Disneyland...with too many Americans on the rides.
I agree with the others, although I would shift one night from the CT to Venice. And do start thinking about that future southern Italy/Sicily trip.
That sounds perfect for a first trip! Enjoy.
Deanna: I wouldn't change a thing in the itinerary you propose.
What a wonderful holiday you will have! The only thing I didn't notice any of the previous posters comment on is that you are arriving in Cinque Terre from Antibes. . . now I am really jealous! I think that is the best town to be based in for the Cote d'Azure. It sounds like you are going to have an absolutely great trip!
Unless you are deep into Roman history or architecture you should travel the the rather short distance to the Amalfi Coast for 2 nights. That is unless you are going back to Italy in the next year or two and can make Amalfi a highlight of that trip. It has been a romantic retreat for over 2000 years, so that many generations could not be mistaken. The lavender and apricot sunsets, the sparking aquamarine sea and the love of all life has to offer are front and center.
I think you have a great plan. A common mistake people make is trying to see too much; every day or every other day they're on the move. With 3 nites in a few places you'll have a chance to feel at home and feel freer to spend time wandering down side streets, sitting at cafe's, etc. Sure, there's lots more to see in Italy. But I think you're doing exactly the right thing by saving some for later.
Great itinerary - very similar to what we just did - 5 in Rome was wonderful - we had planned to take a day trip - but there was just too much to see there. You could cut Cinque Terre to two nights unless you plan to do extra hiking beyond the 5 town hike - if you aren't interested in doing that -two nights is great. We stayed 3 and would have been fine with 2 - but it was the end of our trip so we just relaxed.
Thanks so much for all the posts! You all have been really helpful!
Deanna, your IT looks good. Based on my experience I suggest you stay with it. The more you move around the more tired and exhausted you will be. Also with 5 days in Rome you have time to train or bus to the Amalfi coast for a day-trip. See what Rick suggest on goinf to AC or have your hotel in Rome help you with the arrangements. Buona Fortuna!!
