My husband and I are planning a trip to Italy in mid May, it will be our first time there. We are planning 8-10 night stay. Rome is a must for us, we would like to spend 3 nights there. We would also like to visit Venice, Florence, and one more relaxed/non city place. We thought Cinque Terre, but with the main trail not being open I think it may be best to save this. Is Venice-Florence-Rome too much? Which would you drop, Venice or Florence? Is there an "easy" non-city, possible beach/lake town to add on? We are not big museum people and would like to concentrate most of our tours in Rome. Flights I am looking at would be into Venice and out of Rome, but could change, haven't booked yet. Thanks!
Posted by
columbus, nc
294 posts
I think Venice,Florence,Rome is doable in your time frame. I think an ad on of Siena is something to consider.
Posted by
Portland, OR
282 posts
Into Venice and out of Rome is a great idea. Venice is a great place to get over jetlag, as you walk nearly everywhere (unless you are on a boat). IMHO, Venice, Florence and Rome are plenty for 10 days and would look something like this: Day 1: arrive Venice Day 2: Venice Day 3: Venice Day 4: morning train to Florence, get to hotel, check in, etc. (so really only 1/2 day sightseeing) Day 5: Florence Day 6: Florence (or a day trip to Siena via bus or Pisa/Lucca via train) Day 7: morning train to Rome, get to hotel, check in, etc. (again, shorter day for sightseeing) Day 8: Rome Day 9: Rome
Day 10: Rome
Posted by
OP
Ithaca, NY, USA
4 posts
Thank you for your thoughts, seems to confirm what I was thinking. We also talked about biking for a day - is there a company/city someone would recommend between Venice - Florence or Florence - Rome?
Posted by
Portland, OR
282 posts
I know there are a couple of companies who do day bike tours in Tuscany from Florence. If you do a search of this board or slowtalk.com you should find some reviews.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
8-10 nights means 7-9 days. Flying into and out of Venice is a good idea but you'll be very rushed to see 3 cities. You loose at least half a day when you change cities. Personally, with that short amount of time I would pick two cities and not three. If you pick Rome and Florence you could fly into Rome and take the train directly to Florence. Spend 3-4 days there depending on how many days you are actually going to be in Italy and spend the rest of your time in Rome. This will really give you time to explore the cities and do the biking trips you wish to do. You could also fly into Venice and stay there for 3-4 days and spend the rest of the time in Rome. Donna
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15591 posts
I like ekc's itinerary with one difference. I would take evening trains from Venice to Florence and from Florence to Rome to maximize daytime sightseeing.