Itinerary- Italy, October 2025

Posted by Sm1212 on 09/20/25 03:07 AM

Hi all-

I thought I would share my itinerary and see if anyone has thoughts as I still have a couple free days.

October 2- Arrive in Rome in the morning. Spend the day in Rome. I lived her for a few months so I have done almost all the big sites and love just walking around.
October 3- Wedding South of Rome
October 4- Free until 4pm when there will be more Wedding festivities.
October 5 and 6- Free days in Rome.
October 7- Train to Napoli in the morning. Explore Quartieri Spagnoli. Visit Castel Sant’Elmo
October 8- Napoli/ Pompei- Train to Pompei in the morning. Return to Naples in the afternoon and visit Napoli Sotterranea or Galleria Borbonica
October 9- Napoli- Go to Baia or Gaiola Marine Park for swimming- I know it might be chilly. I am from the PNW and used to cold water.
October 10- Napoli- National Archaeological Museum and Teatro San Carlo

October 11- Depart Napoli in the morning.

This is where I could use some help. I have a reservation in the Dolomites (near Trento) starting Tuesday, October 14. Therefore, I have three nights/ 2 full days. I was thinking Bologna, maybe Venice, but I am open to other cities/ towns. I love Umbria. I won't have a car though so ideally somewhere that is not too complicated to get to from Naples (though I don't mind 4-5 hours on a train). I have been to Florence/ Siena/ Orvieto/ Perugia/ Assisi. Though always open to returning.

October 14-October 17- I will be staying at a hotel in Pinzolo. Planning to hike- open to recommendations. I will come prepared for all weather.
October 17- train to Venice. I will fly Venice to Brussels.
October 18- October 20 I will be in Brussels visiting my Boyfriend
October 20-October 23rd- I think we will take the train to Paris.
October 23rd- I depart from CDG in the early afternoon

Posted by hiredman

San Diego, California, USA

09/20/25 12:41 PM

1715 posts

I think your obvious candidates for your open days are Florence, Bologna, Verona and Venice.

Since you have spent time in Rome and didn't mention Florence I'll assume you're looking for something else. Florence would easily swallow two days with sights, museums and exploring but would be the busiest place after Venice rather than relaxing.

I love Venice and it you've never been then I would highly recommend going as it is a unique place in the world. If you have been and you're not determined to go back then I would suggest Verona or Bologna.

Bologna is a physically small city with a university town vibe and is, of course, has a real culinary focus. It has only recently gotten onto the tourist map and is pretty Italian outside the city center. It is short on blockbuster sites compared to many of the other cities but is interesting to explore.

Verona is another possibility as it is really close to the train line you will be taking and is a chic, pedestrian friendly pretty city with the old town tucked into the bend in the river. Verona has a Roman Arena and Theater and the faded 16th century murals city has an interesting "elegant decay" vibe that the Veneto does so well. It would be an easy bright and light visit after Rome and Naples.

One of the really interesting things about Italy is how different these three cities are given how close together are - within a hour by train.

Have fun choosing!
=Tod

PS In Brussels I recommend Nüetnigenough, but if your boyfriend is living there I'm sure he's got restaurants covered.